Effect of Flaxseed Oil on Digestibility, Blood Parameters, Immuno-Response and Productive Performance of Suckling Friesian Calves

Abstract

Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flaxseed oil supplementation on the digestion, immunoglobulin concentration, some blood parameters, average daily gain, feed conversion and economic efficiency of suckling Friesian calves. A total of 28 newly born Friesian calves with weighing 31.42±1.9 kg were divided into two similar groups, 14 calves in each group. The first group (G1) was served as a control, while the second group (G2) was supplemented with 0.2 ml/kg LBW from flaxseed oil in suckling milk from birth up to weaning. Results showed that digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE and feeding values as TDN and DCP as well as feed intakes as TDN and DCP were higher (P<0.05) in G2 than in G1. Blood plasma immunoglobulins concentrations were higher (P<0.05) during different suckling intervalsin G2 than in G1. Red and white blood cells count, percentages of monocytes, neutrophils and package cell volume, and haemoglobin concentration increased (P<0.01) in G2 than in G1. Percentages of basophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes were not affected by supplementation. Concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin in plasma were increased (P<0.05-P<0.01), while, albumin to globulin ratio and concentration of total lipids, creatinine and urea-N concentrations decreased (P<0.01) in G2 than in G1. Plasma glucose concentrations and AST and ALT activities were nearly similar in both groups. Live body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion improved (P<0.001) in G2 than in G1. Economic efficiency was higher (P<0.05) in G2 than in G1. It could be concluded that flaxseed oil supplementation in milk of suckling Friesian calves (0.2 ml/kg LBW) during the suckling period improved growth performance and economic efficiencies as well as immune-response of Friesian calves without adversity effects on digestibility, haematological and biochemical parameters.

Effect of Flaxseed Oil Supplemention During Pre and Postpartum on Some Physiological Parameters and Productive Performance of Friesian Cows

“…The long-term effects of mild deficiency are unclear, but it has been suggest that they include delayed wound healing, suboptimal immune functioning, increased plasma lipid peroxides and perhaps reduced taste and smell acuity seen in the elderly (Fortes et al 1997). The present values of serum total protein are within the normal range and in good agreement with those obtained by several investigators (Lee et al, 2008;Abu El-Hamd et al, 2015) on calves. Also, data revealed that concentration of TCH and LDL were significant declined with flaxseed oil ration compared with these of control ration.…”

“…Flaxseed oil supplementation improved feed conversion ratio, which significantly (P<0.05) decreased the amounts of DM, TDN and DCP required for produce one kg 4% FCM in compared to control group. These results agreed with those obtained by Abu El-Hamd et al (2015) who found that feed conversion were significantly improved with flaxseed oil supplementation in Friesian calves as compared to the control group and Khattab et al (2011), who found that feed conversion values of buffalo calves were significantly better for groups supplemented by black seed oil than the other groups. Results of economic efficiency in Table (10) showed that average daily feed cost, price of 4% FCM yield, net revenue and net revenue improvement were significantly (P<0.05) higher for flaxseed oil supplemented group in than those of control group.…”

“…The increase of TDN value with flaxseed oil supplementation might be attributed to the increase of EE content, which increased by 92.89 and 78.95% pre-and post-partum (Table 3). The results agreement with, Abu El-Hamd et al (2015) who found that digestibility coefficients and nutritive values were significantly improved with flaxseed oil supplementation in Friesian calves as compared to the control group and Khattab et al (2011), when buffalo calves were fed on black seed oil.…”

“…Moreover, diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (including a-linolenic acid) reduce platelet aggregation, blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels and the occurrence of blood clots, and show both antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects (Nash et al, 1995;Simopoulos, 1996). Also, Abu El-Hamd et al (2015) found that flaxseed oil reduced total lipids concentration in blood on calves.…”

“…Alfa-linolinc acid is an essential flaxseed oil which plays an important role in immune response of the animal. The supply of flaxseed oil improves performance, health, and immune function (Abu El-Hamd et al, 2015). Research indicates several possible human health benefits associated with consumption of flaxseed oil (Conners, 2000).…”