Effects of lauric acid supplementation to the milk in newborn calves

Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid recognized for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. This study evaluates the possible prebiotic benefits of lauric acid as an additive in the diets of newborn calves receiving milk. For this purpose 30 female Holstein newborn calves were divided into three groups as follows; the Control group received bulk tank milk and calf starter feed, the Positive control group administered soybean oil to match the energy intake of the treatment group, and the Treatment group received lauric acid in milk alongside standard feed. The trial concluded on the 60th day of weaning age. The study monitored the performance of the calves and various metabolic markers (glucose, total protein, triglycerides, total released, haptoglobin, serum amyloid A) in blood samples collected on the 3rd, 7th, 15th, 30th, 45th, and 60th days post-birth. Lauric acid supplementation did not significantly influence calves' initial feed intake, body weight gain, or blood parameters. Nonetheless, while the incidence of diseases in the lauric acid group was not statistically significant, it was numerically lower than in the other groups and was as comprehensive as them (number of cases; 3, 6, 6; U, PK, K, respectively). Furthermore, a comparison was made between all animals afflicted 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 (p<0,001), whereas TG (p<0,001), TK(p<0,1), HG(p<0,001), and SAA(p<0,001) levels were considerably elevated. The feed intake and live weight gains of sick calves were markedly lower than those of healthy calves (p<0,001). As a result, it was concluded that giving lauric acid to calves in addition to milk reduced the incidence of disease, although it did not have a significant effect on performance and metabolism parameters.