Low serum vitamin D concentrations in Spring-born dairy calves are associated with elevated peripheral leukocytes.

ABSTRACT: A role for vitamin D in the immune system is emerging from human research but data in the bovine is limited. In the current study, 48 Holstein-Friesian calves were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups designed to expose calves to divergent vitamin D levels for a 7 month period and to determine its effects on circulating immunity in young calves. Concentrations of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured in serum using a commercial ELISA with validated bovine standards. Results showed that mean circulating concentrations of 25OHD at birth was 7.64 ± 3.21 ng/ml indicating vitamin D deficiency. Neither the injection of Vit D₃ at birth nor the elevated levels in milk replacer yield discernible changes to pre-weaning circulating concentration of 25OHD. No calf reached the

SUBMITTER: Flores-Villalva S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8460825 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature