The effect of supplemental bioactive fatty acids on growth performance and immune function of milk-fed Holstein dairy calves during heat stress

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different supplemental fat sources [soybean oil (SBO) as a source of n-6 fatty acid and fish oil (FO) as a source of n-3 fatty acids] in the starter feed of milk-fed dairy calves during the hot season. Forty Holstein calves (3 d of age; 39.67 kg of body weight; ten calves per group) were randomly assigned to the experimental treatments as follows: (1) starter feed supplemented with no fat source (CON), (2) starter feed supplemented with 3% SBO (DM basis), (3) starter feed supplemented with 3% FO (DM basis), and (4) starter feed supplemented with an equal mixture of SBO and FO (1.5% each, DM basis). The milk feeding schedule was constant for treatments and all calves were weaned on d 65 of age. Results show that calves had greater starter intake, average daily gain, and body length when fed SBO compared to other treatments. However, feed efficiency was increased and inflammatory indicators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, serum amyloid A and haptoglobin) concentrations were reduced in the calves fed FO compared to the other treatments. In summary, it was revealed that SBO rich in n-6 FA improved starter intake and growth performance, while FO rich in n-3 FA could improve the immune function of calves. Due to the current experimental condition, an equal mixture of SBO and FO (1.5% each, DM basis) can be recommended to have an optimum growth performance and immune function while the calves are reared under the heat conditions.

Effects of linseed oil supplementation in Holstein dairy calves received starters based on either corn or barley grain on growth performance and immune response

“…This can be lead to providing higher amino acid available to be absorbed in small intestine which is supportive for growing calves (Kazemi‐Bonchenari et al, 2018). Regarding the supplemental FA, no changes were found for ruminal pH or ruminal activity which may be mostly related to its ruminal protection which is in line with previous works on preruminant animals (Kandi et al, 2020; Mohtashami et al, 2021).…”

“…Although some previous literatures verified anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 FA supplementation in dairy calves (Ballou & DePeters, 2008;Karcher et al, 2014;Mohtashami et al, 2021), our study also detected an interaction of n-3 FA source with grain source. Our results showed that LO supplementation that is rich in n-3 FA can be strategy to offset or at least reduce the inflammatory impact of BG feeding in dairy calves.…”

“…Beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was measured with a commercial kit (Randox Laboratories); the inter‐ and intra‐assay CV% were 11.2 and 8.7 respectively). Serum were used to measuring inflammatory markers as explained in recent study (Mohtashami et al, 2021). Bovine serum amyloid A (SAA, Bioassay) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α) were detected according to commercial ELISA kits (Karmania Pars Gene).…”

Inflammatory Mediation of Heat Stress-Induced Growth Deficits in Livestock and Its Potential Role as a Target for Nutritional Interventions: A Review

“…Additionally, ω-3 PUFA can also increase the production of some anti-inflammatory cytokines [ 153 , 154 ]. Studies in cattle and sheep have shown that dietary supplementation of ω-3 PUFA can improve growth performance even in animals that are under little or no acute stress [ 155 , 156 , 157 , 158 ]. Thus, it is not surprising that daily supplementation of ω-3 PUFA-rich fish oil to heat-stressed feedlot lambs mitigated the rise in circulating granulocytes, granulocyte:lymphocyte ratios, body temperatures, and respiratory rates, which in turn improved muscle growth and rescued intramuscular fat content [ 159 , 160 ].…”

“…Thus, it is not surprising that daily supplementation of ω-3 PUFA-rich fish oil to heat-stressed feedlot lambs mitigated the rise in circulating granulocytes, granulocyte:lymphocyte ratios, body temperatures, and respiratory rates, which in turn improved muscle growth and rescued intramuscular fat content [ 159 , 160 ]. In heat-stressed dairy calves, fish oil reduced circulating TNFα and other inflammatory indicators, which was associated with reduced body temperatures and respiratory rates as well as improved feed efficiency [ 158 ]. Although fish oil is an effective and relatively inexpensive option for targeting inflammation, it should be noted that its taste and smell can create an aversion for some animals and can even result in reduced feed intake [ 161 ].…”