Responses of newborn calves to oral fructose, sorbitol or lactose supplements

Abstract

Shortly after birth, calves are energy deficient as plasma fructose declines, glucose is metabolized and glycogen reserves are depleted. Therefore, supplements of fructose or sorbitol may be useful during the early postpartum period. Forty Holstein calves (10 maie, 30female) were sequentially allotted to four treatments: fructose, sorbitol, lactose, or control (water). Each supplement (40 g) was dissolved in 40 ml of water and administered orally lh after birth. Colostrum (1.9 L) was then fed. Growth and performance of calves were monitored for 6wk. Plasma glucose, fructose and insulin concentrations were determined for the first 20 calves. Jugular blood samples were collected 0.9, 6 and 12h after birth. Two distinct profiles of plasma sugar concentrations resulted; similarities existed between calves treated either with fructose or with sorbitol and second, in calves treated with lactose and control calves. In the latter two groups of calves, plasma fructose declined from 0.9h (≅ 43 mg/dl) to 6h (≅ 18 mg/dl). Fructose and, sorbitol supplements elevated plasma fructose (99 and 77 mg/dl, respectively) and depressed glucose (38 and 41 mg/dl, respectively) at 6h. By 12h postpartum, plasma glucose was higher (≅ 90 mg/dl) for calves treated with lactose or water than for calves treated with fructose or sorbitol (≅ 59 mg/dl). Concentrations of plasma fructose declined ≅ 50 per cent for calves treated with fructose or sorbitol during the first 12h. Supplements did not result in differences in plasma insulin or rectal temperature for the first 12hpostpartum. Body weight and average daily gain did not differ among treatments through 6wk of age. Further research has been suggested. © GSP, India.