Effects of clove extract and hydrolyzed whey peptides supplementation on health, performance and blood parameters of suckling dairy calves.
Supplementation of milk with clove extract and hydrolyzed whey protein during the early neonatal period had minimal effects on growth and health parameters of dairy calves.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the adipotide (prohibitin-tp01) corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the effects of clove extract and hydrolyzed whey protein supplementation on suckling dairy calves. A total of 100 calves were assigned to one of four treatments over 14 days. Minimal effects were observed on various health and performance parameters.
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of clove extract and hydrolyzed whey protein supplementation, alone or in combination, on growth performance, physiological responses, hematological and biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, and health indicators of suckling dairy calves during the first 14 days of life. A total of 100 newborn dairy calves were randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a completely randomized design (n = 25 calves per treatment): (1) control (CON), milk without supplementation; (2) clove extract (CL), milk supplemented with 10 mL clove extract per day; (3) hydrolyzed whey protein (W), milk supplemented with 10 mL hydrolyzed whey protein per day; and (4) mixture (MIX), milk supplemented with 10 mL clove extract plus 10 mL hydrolyzed whey protein per day. Daily dry matter intake, body weight at 15 days of age, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were not affected by treatment. Rectal temperature did not differ among treatments. Hematological parameters showed no treatment effects on white blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, platelet count, or differential leukocyte counts. However, red blood cell count differed among treatments, with calves in the control group exhibiting a higher RBC concentration compared with those receiving clove extract, hydrolyzed whey protein, or their combination (P = 0.048). Blood biochemical parameters, including malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, liver enzymes, minerals, albumin, total protein, and ferritin concentrations, were not influenced by treatment. The incidence and duration of diarrhea and fecal scores were similar among treatments; however, the day of diarrhea onset differed significantly among treatments (P < 0.01), with the latest onset observed in calves receiving clove extract-containing treatments. In conclusion, supplementation of milk with clove extract and/or hydrolyzed whey protein during the early neonatal period had minimal effects on growth performance, physiological status, oxidative balance, and most health-related parameters of dairy calves, with the exception of alterations in red blood cell count and the timing of diarrhea onset.
Background
This paper addresses the impact of dietary supplementation on the health and performance of suckling dairy calves, which is crucial for optimizing early growth and reducing disease incidence. Previous studies have shown varying effects of different supplements on calf health, but the specific impact of clove extract and hydrolyzed whey protein has not been extensively evaluated. Understanding these effects could inform better nutritional strategies in dairy farming.
Methods
The study utilized a completely randomized design with 100 newborn dairy calves assigned to four treatment groups (n = 25 per group): control (milk without supplementation), clove extract (10 mL/day), hydrolyzed whey protein (10 mL/day), and a mixture of both (10 mL each/day). The primary outcomes measured included daily dry matter intake, body weight at 15 days, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and various hematological and biochemical parameters over a 14-day period.
Results
The primary endpoint regarding red blood cell count showed a significant difference among treatments (P = 0.048), with the control group exhibiting higher RBC concentrations. No significant treatment effects were observed for daily dry matter intake, body weight, average daily gain, or feed conversion ratio. Additionally, rectal temperature and most hematological parameters remained unchanged across treatments. The incidence and duration of diarrhea were similar, but the day of onset was significantly delayed in calves receiving clove extract (P < 0.01).
Interpretation
The findings indicate that while clove extract and hydrolyzed whey protein supplementation did not significantly enhance growth or health parameters in dairy calves, there was a notable effect on red blood cell count and the timing of diarrhea onset. These results are consistent with some prior literature suggesting minimal impact of similar supplements on calf health. However, the clinical significance of the observed changes, particularly the small effect on RBC count, may be limited. The study's short duration and small sample size may also restrict the generalizability of the findings.
Key findings
- Red blood cell count differed among treatments, with control group having higher RBC concentration compared to clove extract, hydrolyzed whey protein, or their combination (P = 0.048).
- Daily dry matter intake, body weight at 15 days of age, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were not affected by treatment.
- Rectal temperature did not differ among treatments.
- Hematological parameters showed no treatment effects on white blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, platelet count, or differential leukocyte counts.
- The day of diarrhea onset differed significantly among treatments (P < 0.01), with the latest onset in calves receiving clove extract-containing treatments.
Limitations
- small n=25 per treatment group
- 14-day follow-up too short to assess long-term effects
- no significant changes in most health-related parameters
- no industry funding reported