Lactoferrin supplementation to dairy calves

J Dairy Sci. 2002 May;85(5):1237-42. doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(02)74187-8.

Abstract

Twenty-one Holstein calves (12 bulls, 9 heifers) were used to evaluate the effects of supplemental lactoferrin (0, 1, and 10 g/d) added to colostrum, milk, and milk replacer in a 56-d study. Calves fed lactoferrin (LF) weighed more during wk 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 than control calves. Calves fed LF had increased preweaning daily weight gains and heart girth gains compared with calves not fed lactoferrin. Calves fed 1 g/d LF had a greater preweaning average daily gain than calves fed 10 g/d of lactoferrin. Hematocrit and serum Fe were unaffected by treatments. Calves were weaned when they had consumed 0.7 kg of calf starter grain for 2 consecutive d and were at least 28 d of age. All calves were weaned by 35 d of age, regardless of starter intake. Calves fed LF consumed more calf starter grain during the preweaning period and met weaning criteria at a younger age. This study indicates that supplementing calf diets with LF is advantageous to calf performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Cattle / growth & development*
  • Cattle / physiology
  • Colostrum
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Heart / growth & development
  • Hematocrit
  • Iron / blood
  • Lactoferrin / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Milk
  • Weaning
  • Weight Gain / drug effects

Substances

  • Iron
  • Lactoferrin