Relationship between serum iron and insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations in 10-day-old calves

Abstract

Newborn calves are often deficient in iron and progressive reduction in blood iron concentration occurs over the first weeks of life. Some reports indicate the importance of interactions among iron and components of the insulin-like growth factor system. The aim of the study was to determine if there is a relationship between serum iron and insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations in neonatal calves. Blood samples were collected from 16 female Holstein-Friesian calves on day 10 of age. Erythrogram determination and measurements of serum iron, total protein, albumin, total iron binding capacity and serum insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations were performed. Haematological values were measured using an automatic analyzer, biochemical properties were determined spectrophotometrically, insulin-like growth factor-I concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. Calves were divided into 2 groups according to iron concentrations; the first group of iron-deficient calves (n = 8, Fe < 10 μmol/l) and the second group of calves with optimal iron concentration (n = 8, Fe > 18 μmol/l). Blood indicators in all calves from the first group followed a pattern typically observed in anaemic calves. Insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in the first group compared to the second group. However, insulin-like growth factor-I very strongly correlated with iron in calves from the second group compared to iron-deficient calves (r = 0.624; P < 0.01 and r = 0.478; P > 0.05, respectively). Based on our results, iron seems to have an important relationship to secretion of insulin-like growth factor-I in 10-day-old calves. This is the first report about such relationship in this age group of animals. Calf, haematology, IGF-I, iron deficiency

Occurrence of neonatal diarrhea in calves with iron-deficiency anemia

“…In line with this, inadequate morphological and functional adaptation of the gastrointestinal tract is considered to have a central role in the etiology of gut diseases during the neonatal period (Blum, 2006). Consequently, it is tempting to speculate that diminished IGF-I status associated with iron deficiency (Prodanovic et al, 2014) might be one of the predisposing factors for the increased incidence of diarrhea in anemic calves. The major findings indicate that IGF-I could influence the growth and development of intestines, respectively their morphological and functional maturation after binding to respective receptors as also shown in neonatal calves (Georgiev et al, 2003;Hammon and Blum, 2002).…”

“…Changes in the morphology, function and bacterial microbiota of the small intestine have also been recorded (Larkin and Hannan, 1985). Although a significant incidence of anemia in neonatal calves has been reported by many investigators (Prodanovic et al, 2014;Morel 1996;Okabe et al, 1996;Pare et al, 1993;Bosted et al, 1990), no attention has been devoted to their possible involvement in diarrhea outbreaks of these animals.…”

“…Among a wide variety of interrelated noninfectious factors, iron deficiency has also been implicated in development of calf diarrhea (Okabe et al, 1996;Pare et al, 1993;Bosted et al, 1990;Blaxter et al, 1957). The monitoring of iron status in newborn calves is essential not only for the achievement of good health but also for the achievement of adequate weight gain of young calves due to the involvement of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in proper utilization of consumed nutrients (Prodanovic et al, 2014). A high incidence of diarrhea is a commonly detected in irondeficient piglets (Larkin and Hannan, 1983).…”

Effects of Protein-Iron Complex Concentrate Supplementation on Iron Metabolism, Oxidative and Immune Status in Preweaning Calves

“…Iron plays an important role in the organisms of humans and animals, and its deficiency leads to numerous health conditions. The iron requirement of animals varies according to the age, sex and condition of the organism [ 1 , 2 ]. Young animals in the early stages of life are most susceptible to iron deficiency, however neonates do have some iron reserves in their body.…”

“…Moreover, in the case of feeding calves with cow’s milk, which has low iron concentration, rapid growth rates can lead to the development of temporary iron deficiency. This condition may be exacerbated by the immaturity of molecular mechanisms of iron absorption as in other animal species [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Transient iron deficiency in newborn calves most commonly manifests as anemia [ 2 ].…”