Effects of Changing the Fatty Acid Composition of Calf Starters

Specific fatty acid blends (C4:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C18:2, and C18:3) replacing a portion of the fat from animal fats in a milk replacer improve ADG, effciency, and health in calves. The objective of these trials was to test these fatty acids in starters fed to calves through 4 mo of age. In trial 1, 48 calves were fed either a control starter or a starter containing a blend of sodium butyrate, canola oil, and coconut oil (FA1) from 3 to 59 d of age. In trial 2, 48 calves were fed a control starter, FA1, and starter containing a proprietary blend of C4:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C18:2, and C18:3 (FA2) from 3 to 59 d of age. Intrial 3, 12 calves were fed a control, FA1, and FA2 starters, and selected blood constituents were measured between approximately 45 and 59 d. In trials 4 and 5, 48 calves per trial were fed either a control starter or FA2 from approximately 59 to 115 d. In trials 1, 2, 4, and 5, the calves fed FA1 and FA2 gained BW faster and more effciently than calves fed the control (P < 0.05). In trial 3, plasma urea N decreased (P < 0.05) in calves fed FA1 and FA2 compared with calves fed the control. Consistent in all trials, ADG and effciency of calves were improved from 3 to 115 d by altering the fatty acid profle of the starters.