The effect of parenteral iron supply on hematology, health, growth and meat classification in veal calves
Möllerberg, L.; Ehlers, T.; Jacobsson, S.O.; Johnsson, S.; Olsson, I.
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 16(2): 197-204
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-605X PMID: 1180183 Document Number: 90859
Twenty veal calves were fed milk substitute containing 19 mg Fe/kg; ten calves were supplemented with iron in accordance with their requirements and the other 10 were unsupplemented controls. Serum iron (SI), haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined at the start of the experiment and then every third week. From 3 weeks after the start to the end of the experiment there were significant differences between SI mean values between treated and untreated calves. In the treated group the Hb mean values were unchanged during the experiment while the untreated group had a significant decrease. The mean PCV values were also decreased. The daily gain was 136 g higher per calf in the treated group. The feed consumption per kg gain was 18 g lower and the carcass weight was 4.2 kg higher per calf in the treated group. The points for colour and structure of carcass were 2.5 units higher per calf in the untreated group. The prevalence of enteritis was less in the treated calves.