Lipid Deficiency in the Calf

Abstract

The dietary essentiality of lipids for young dairy calves was studied by feeding a “lipid-free,” semi-synthetic milk containing casein, lactose, minerals and vitamins. Responses to various lipid supplements were evaluated. Weights and clinical observations were recorded daily for each calf. Weekly blood plasma samples were analyzed for total fatty acids, “Allen fat,” phospholipids and for linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids. Marked retardation of growth (weight gain) was observed after calves were fed the lipid-free diet for approximately three weeks. Other lipid deficiency symptoms which were quite severe in approximately 50% of the calves at 8 weeks included scaly dandruff; long, dry hair; excessive loss of hair on the back, shoulders and tail; and diarrhea. Lipids which prevented development of, or promoted prompt recovery from, the deficiency syndrome were (a) butter oil, and (b) hydrogenated soybean oil plus lecithin. Limited data indicate that the methyl esters of fatty acids (approximately 50% oleic and 50% linoleic) also promote recovery. Response to hydrogenated soybean oil alone was not so great as when lecithin also was supplied. The mean weight gains from zero to 56 days for calves fed the lipid-free diet and for those fed an isocaloric diet containing hydrogenated soybean oil and lecithin were 10.9 and 30.3 pounds, respectively. Blood plasma “Allen fat,” total fatty acids, phospholipids and linoleic acid were significantly lower in the calves receiving the lipid-free milk than in calves receiving lipids. Differences among the various dietary groups in the blood plasma linolenic and arachidonic acid contents were small and the values for the former were low in all instances.