Effects of n-3 fatty acids on growth, antioxidant status, and immunity of preweaned dairy calves

摘要

This study aimed to estimate the influences of flaxoil and a mixture of ethyl esters of fatty acids fromflax oil added to a milk replacer (MR) formulation onthe biochemical, immunological, and antioxidant statusof blood, production parameters, and health of calves.Twenty-seven Holstein-Frisian calves were assigned to3 groups: the control group without fat added to thediet (CON, n = 9), a group receiving ethyl esters offlax oil (10 g/d) with lyophilized apples (25 g; MRE),or a group receiving flax oil (10 g/d) with lyophilizedapples (25 g; MRL). The study was conducted from d14 to d 42 of life. Intake of MR and feed were recordeddaily, and fecal scores, rectal temperature, and bodyweight were recorded weekly. Laboratory blood testswere conducted every 7 d from d 14 to 42. Supplementationwith the formulation containing ethyl esters offlax oil (MRE) positively affected health, average dailyweight gain, growth rate, and feed efficiency. Intake ofthe starter feed was lower in the calves receiving theformulation with flax oil (MRL). The MRE formulationslowered the concentrations of triglycerides, totalcholesterol, and LDL fraction in blood serum and decreasedthe total antioxidant capacity (TAS) and levelsof glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The MRL formulationincreased TAS and GPx levels in blood serum. TheMRE treatment limited the circulating levels of tumornecrosis factor. The MRE and MRL preparations loweredthe concentration of SFA (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1) inblood serum, and MRE significantly increased levels ofα-linolenic acid. The MRE and MRL preparations beneficiallyaffected production and physiological parameters.Our data support the idea that supplementationwith n-3 fatty acids improves calf growth and metabolicand oxidative functions in young calves.