Effect of 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D 3 on Vitamin D and Immunoglobulin G Status, Performance, and Health of Periparturient Cows and Their Calves
Zihao Wang, Jianing Zhang, Tianjin Zhang, Yanli Chen, Hongwei Zhang, Yinghao Zhou, Jianguo Li, Yanxia Gao, Xin Li, Hongjian XuABSTRACT
The objectives of this study were to explore the effects of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 on (1) colostrum yield and compositions, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 , minerals, and health of periparturient cows and (2) 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 and minerals status, growth performance, and health of their calves. Forty multiparous dry cows were assigned to either vitamin D 3 group or 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 group. After calving, all their calves received colostrum from their own dams; calves were respectively assigned to one of four treatments: (1) calves from D‐VD group were fed vitamin D 3 ; (2) calves from D‐VD group were fed 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 ; (3) calves from D‐25D group were fed vitamin D 3 ; (4) calves from D‐25D group were fed 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 . Feeding 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 significantly increased ( p < 0.05) 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 , calcium and phosphorus in serum and colostrum, serum antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulin G (IgG) of periparturient cows, and significantly increased ( p < 0.05) serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 , calcium, and phosphorus in calves at birth. Feeding 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 calves improved ( p < 0.05) weaning weight, skeletal growth, and average daily gain together with increased antioxidant capacity and IgG. In conclusion, supplementing 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 to periparturient cows and their calves improved colostrum and health of cows and growth and health of their calves.