The Effect of Fat-Free Diets on Young Dairy Calves with Observations on Metabolic Fecal Fat and Digestion Co-Efficients for Lard and Hydrogenated Coconut Oil

Abstract

Studies were carried out with 16 1- to 2-day old dairy calves. Those receiving a free fat synthetic milk developed leg weakness and died within 1-5 wks. The condition was cured by feeding a synthetic milk containing 1-2% lard or 2% hydrogenated coconut oil. Results suggest that body storage of essential fatty acids at birth may be adequate to last a calf for several mos. but that dietary fat may be necessary during the 1st few days. Plasma total lipid levels varied directly with the quantity of fat in the diet, whereas linoleic and arachidonic acid levels were much lower in calves receiving the hydrogenated coconut oil or fat free diets. Dietary fat had no apparent effect on plasma linolenic acid values. Coconut oil was 86.4, 89.7, 85.5, and 71.9% digested, and lard was 72.6, 77.0, 92.5, and 93.7% digested during the 2d, 4th, 6th, . and 11th wks., respectively. Metabolic fecal fat excretion of three 8-wk. old calves receiving a fat free diet ranged from 19 to 29 mg./kg. of body wt./calf per/day.