Abstract
Background: Newborn dairy calves are often born with low iron reserves and may be at risk of iron deficiency.
Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of iron injections administered at different doses and time points on hematological, biochemical, oxidative stress, and growth markers in newborn dairy calves.
Methods:
Forty calves were divided into a control and three test groups (n=10 each). The control group received 5 mL of normal saline at 24–48 hours after birth and on day 14. Group 1 received 5 mL of saline at 24–48 hours and 500 mg of iron dextran on day 14. Group 2 received 10 mL of saline at 24–48 hours and 1000 mg of iron dextran on day 14. Group 3 received 500 mg iron dextran at 24–48 hours after birth and on day 14. Each milliliter of iron dextran contained 100 mg of iron. Blood samples were collected at six time points (24–48 hours; days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 90). Health status, body weight, and body measurements were monitored.
Results: Time significantly influenced all measured parameters (P ≤ 0.05). Group effects were significant only for platelets, and time–group interaction was significant for iron, albumin, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). No significant effects were observed on growth or health markers and hepcidin levels (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Iron injections, either once or twice, did not improve red blood cell levels, biochemical markers, iron status, growth, or overall health in newborn calves.
Keywords: Biochemical parameters, Dairy calves, Hematology, Hepcidin, Iron injection