Responses of newborn calves to oral fructose, sorbitol or lactose supplements.

Abstract Becker, C.J., Keller, H.L., Weiss, W.P. and Willett, L.B. 2000. Responses of newborn calves to oral fructose, sorbitol or lactose supplements. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 17: 185–196. Shortly after birth, calves are energy deficient as plasma fructose declines, glucose is metabolized and glycogen reserves are depleted. Therefore, supplements of fructose or sorbitol may be useful during the early postpartum period. Forty Holstein calves (10 male, 30 female) were sequentially allotted to four treatments: fructose, sorbitol, lactose, or control (water). Each supplement (40 g) was dissolved in 40 ml of water and administered orally lh after birth. Colostrum (1.9 L) was then fed. Growth and performance of calves were monitored for 6wk. Plasma glucose, fructose and insulin concentrations were determined for the first 20 calves. Jugular blood samples were collected 0.9, 6 and 12h after birth. Two distinct profiles of plasma sugar concentrations resulted; similarities existed between calves treated either with ...