The performance of Holstein calves in response to fat supplementation in starter period

To evaluate the effect of adding calcium salt of soybean oil on the performance and growth of suckling calves, 18 Holstein calves, after the birth with weight average 3.94 ± 42.43 kg were randomized into three groups. The experimental allotments including: 1) the starter without calcium salt of soybean oil (control), 2) starter with 0.3% calcium salt of soybean oil and 3) starter containing 0.5% calcium salt of soybean oil. These allotments were compared in the form of a randomly plan in the range of 5 to 60 days.The using of calcium salt of soybean oil significantly affected the dry matter intake during the test period so that the calcium salt increases the amount of 0.5 percent in starter, compared to the control allotments and 0.3 percent, the dry matter intake significantly increased (P<0.05).The results of this experiment showed that the use of different levels of calcium salts of soybean oil have not significant effects on body size (height from the withers, the height of the buttocks, waist circumference and body length) in the different periods of test. The waist circumference was affected in the fourth period of measurement by experimental allotments (P<0.05).The daily gain of calves weight and feed efficiency showed no significant difference between the experimental allotments. The concentrations of plasma metabolites (glucose, urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglyceride and total protein) were not affected by in any time of the measurement by the experimental allotments (P<0.05).The test results not showed that using the calcium salt of soybean oil have any significant effects on the growth and performance of Holstein suckling calves.