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

Shortly after birth, calves are energy deficient as plasma fructose decline s, glucose is metabolized and glycogen reserves are depleted. Therefore, su pplements of fructose or sorbitol may be useful during the early postpartum period. Forty Holstein calves (10 male, 30 female) were sequentially allot ted to four treatments: fructose, sorbitol, lactose, or control (water). Ea ch supplement (40 g) was dissolved in 40 ml of water and administered orall y 1 h after birth. Colostrum (1.9 L) was then fed. Growth and performance o f calves were monitored for 6wk. Plasma glucose, fructose and insulin conce ntrations were determined for the first 20 calves. Jugular blood samples we re collected 0.9, 6 and 12 h after birth. Two distinct profiles of plasma s ugar concentrations resulted; similarities existed between calves treated e ither with fructose or with sorbitol and second, in calves treated with lac tose and control calves. In the latter two groups of calves, plasma fructos e declined from 0.9h (congruent to 43 mg/dl) to 6h (congruent to 18 mg/dl). Fructose and sorbitol supplements elevated plasma, fructose (99 and 77 mg/ dl, respectively) and depressed glucose (38 and 41 mg/dl, respectively) at 6h. By 12h postpartum, plasma glucose was higher (congruent to 90 mg/dl) fo r calves treated with lactose or water than for calves treated with fructos e or sorbitol (congruent to 59 mg/dl). Concentrations of plasma fructose de clined congruent to 50 per cent for calves treated with fructose or sorbito l during the first 12h. Supplements did not result in differences in plasma insulin or rectal temperature for the first 12h postpartum. Body weight an d average daily gain did not differ among treatments through 6wk of age. Fu rther research has been suggested.