PSI-11 Effects of a supplemental water source and trace-mineral based electrolyte drinking solution on intake and blood cell count of newly received feedlot calves
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AbstractOral hydration therapy has been used to improve performance and health of newly received feedlot calves; however, little is known regarding water intake (WI) following arrival at the feedlot. Our objective was to evaluate WI of newly received feedlot calves provided a supplemental water source or a novel nutritional rehydration solution during initial 3 days following arrival. Crossbred heifers (n=180; initial BW = 237 23 kg) were individually weighed after 16 h fasting and sorted into 12 pens (4 pens/treatment). Treatments were: 1) Control (CON): water provided through standard in-pen automatic waterer only (Richie CM480; one waterer/pen); 2) Supplemental water (SUPW): CON + water provided with one additional stock tank/pen; 3) Novel nutritional rehydration solution (NRS): trace-mineral based drinking solution provided with one stock tank/pen as the only water source. Treatments were provided from days 0 to 3 after which supplemental tanks were removed. From days 4 to 14 all heifers had access to the standard in-pen automatic waterer only. The WI was measured daily throughout the trial and BW was recorded at days 0 and 14. Whole blood was collected (5 heifers/pen) on days 0, 3, and 14. Treatments had no effect on DMI or ADG (P 0.15). SUPW and NRS had greater WI than CON from days 0 to d 3 (P 0.001), but not from days 4 to 14 nor from days 0 to 14 (P = 0.69). No treatment effect or treatment day interactions were observed for total red (RBC) or white blood cell counts (WBC; P 0.19); however, a day effect was present (P > 0.001) and RBC and WBC linearly decreased from day 0 to 14 (P > 0.05). Our preliminary results indicate that providing a supplemental source of water during the initial 3 d after arrival increased total WI and may facilitate rehydration in stressed calves following transit.
