Abstract:

【Objective】 This study was designed to determine the influence of plant protein contents of milk replacers on the incidence of diarrhea and blood parameters in the calf aged 6-11 days. 【Method】 Twelve male Chinese Holstein calves were randomly assigned to three milk replacers containing 20%, 50% or 80% plant protein of total protein. 【Result】 Compared with the other milk replacers, the milk replacer containing 80% of plant protein of total protein significantly decreased the serum IgG concentration in 7-day-old calves, but significantly increased the serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) concentration in 9-day-old calves, and significantly elevated the incidence rate of diarrhea in the first 2 or 3 days of experimental period. However, the serum concentration of total protein (TP), urea nitrogen (BUN), cortisol (Cort) and growth hormone (GH) was not different significantly among the treatments. 【Conclusion】 The plant protein content in milk replacers affected the health and blood parameters of 6- to 11-day-old calves, and an appropriate plant protein content below 50% of total milk replacer protein was suggested for the health and the smooth transition from milk to milk replacers of calves.

Key words: plant protein, calves, diarrhea, blood parameters