Short communication: Blood mineral and gas concentrations of calves born to cows fed prepartum diets differing in dietary cation-anion difference and calcium concentration

Eighty-two multiparous Holstein cows were fed diets differing in dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) and Ca concentrations in a randomized block design experiment beginning 4 wk before anticipated calving to determine the effects on colostrum yield and quality and acid-base balance and mineral status of newborn calves. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial to provide 2 DCAD [−22 mEq/100 g of dry matter (NEG) or −3 mEq/100 g of dry matter (NEU)] and 2 supplemental Ca concentrations (1.3 or 1.8% of dry matter). After calving, cows were milked within 2 to 8 h and colostrum yield was recorded. Calves were fed 200 g of IgG of a commercial colostrum replacer within 4 h of birth. No differences were observed in birth weight or dystocia score among treatments, which averaged 42.7 kg and 1.12, respectively. Colostrum yield was not different among treatments and averaged 8.75 kg. Colostrum quality, as measured using a Brix refractometer, was not affected by DCAD but was higher for 1.3% compared with 1.8% Ca: 21.58% and 19.87%, respectively. Colostrum IgG concentrations were higher for NEG compared with NEU and for 1.3% compared with 1.8% Ca. No differences were observed in concentrations of serum IgG, Ca, P, K, Cl, anion gap, or whole-blood pH, partial pressure of O2, or SO2 of calves among treatments. Serum Mg and lactate concentrations were higher and CO2 tended to be lower for calves born to cows fed 1.3% compared with 1.8% Ca. Interactions of DCAD and Ca were observed for serum Na and Cl, which were higher for NEU-1.3% Ca and NEG-1.8% Ca compared with NEU-1.8% Ca and NEG-1.3% Ca. Whole-blood partial pressure of CO2, and HCO3 exhibited an interaction of DCAD and Ca and tended to be lower for NEU-1.3% Ca and NEG-1.8% Ca compared with NEU-1.8% Ca and NEG-1.3% Ca. Results of this trial indicate that feeding prepartum diets with 1.8% compared with 1.3% supplemental Ca reduced colostrum quality and serum concentrations of Mg and lactate in calves immediately after birth. Feeding NEG supported higher colostrum IgG concentrations. Blood mineral concentrations and blood gas balance tended to differ, but the effects were not consistent across DCAD and Ca.