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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #73394
Title: EFFECTS OF ELECTROLYTE ADMINISTRATION AT BIRTH ON PERFORMANCE IN DAIRY HEIFERS

Author
item REINHART, R - IA STATE UNIV., AMES, IA
item TYLER, HOWARD - IA STATE UNIV., AMES, IA
item FAUST, MARGE - IA STATE UNIV., AMES, IA
item Nonnecke, Brian

Submitted to: Journal of Dairy Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/17/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Twenty-one Holstein heifer calves were used to determine the effect of administration of additional fluids and electrolytes during the first 24 h of life on subsequent performance. All calves were obtained at birth and randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Treated calves received either 2 L of distilled water or electrolyte solution administered at 0 (birth), 6, 12, and 18 h postpartum. All calves were fed 2 L of pooled colostrum at 1 and 13 h postpartum, followed on day 2 by 2 L milk twice daily through 6 wk of age. Blood samples were obtained at 0 (birth), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 h postpartum and then 3 times weekly through weaning. Samples were analyzed for acid-base status, plasma glucose, and immunoglobulins. Calves were weighed at birth and weekly thereafter. Calf starter was offered beginning on day 7 and starter intakes were measured daily through weaning. During the first 48 h of life, concentrations of potassium were higher (P=.05) in treated calves when compared with controls. Concentrations of sodium and chloride during the first 48 h were higher in electrolyte treated calves and lower in water treated calves (P<.05) when compared to control calves.