This study examines the prebiotic benefits of lauric acid in the diets of newborn calves. Thirty female Holstein calves were divided into three groups: The Control (C) group received bulk tank milk; the Positive Control (PC) group was given soybean oil mixed with milk; and the Trial (T) group was given milk supplemented with lauric acid. The groups were fed the same basal calf starter feed. The trial concluded on the 60th day of the weaning period. The study monitored calf performance and blood metabolic markers on days 3, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 after birth. Lauric acid supplementation did not significantly influence calves' initial feed intake, body weight gain, or blood parameters. Although the incidence of diseases in the lauric acid group was not statistically significant, it was numerically lower than in the other groups and was comparable to them (number of cases; 3, 6, 6; T, PC, C, respectively). Furthermore, a comparison was made between all animals affected by the disorders and those who had never encountered any health issues in relation to the performance and blood parameters. The blood glucose level of the calf recovered from illness (CRI) was markedly lower (p0.001), whereas Triglyceride (p0.001), Total cholesterol (p0.1), Haptoglobin (p0.001), and Serum amyloid A (p0.001) levels were considerably elevated. The feed intake and live weight gains of sick calves were markedly lower than those of healthy calves (p0.001). As a result, supplementing calves’ milk with lauric acid reduced disease incidence but had no significant effect on performance or metabolism.
Uyarlar et al. (Fri,) studied this question.