The preruminant calf as a model for characterizing the effects of vitamin D status in the neonate

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using the preruminant dairy calf as a model for evaluating effects of vitamin D status in the neonate. Because the newborn calf can be sustained during the first weeks of life solely on a fluid diet having a defined composition, has documented nutritional requirements, and is minimally affected by repeated samplings of peripheral blood, it has the potential to serve as a model for characterizing nutrient-specific effects on the growth and health of the neonate. Colostrum-fed Holstein bull calves (n = 13) entered the trial at approximately 4 d of age. All calves were fed a custom-formulated milk replacer devoid of vitamin D. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 concentrations in all calves were determined on a regular basis beginning at d 0. Using this information, low-and high-status groups of calves were established by subcutaneous administration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3. To maintain targeted plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 concentrations in low (30 ng/mL) and high (>60 ng/mL) vitamin D-status calves, low-status calves (n = 6) received a total of 8,600 IU (2,225 IU/wk) of vitamin D during the experimental period and high-status calves (n = 7) received 54,000 IU (13,500 IU/wk). Concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 in low-status calves averaged 27 ng/mL, compared with 78 ng/mL in high-status calves, and were less at all sampling times from d 7 to d 28. Concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 were not correlated. Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous concentrations were unaffected by 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 administration; however, plasma calcium and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 concentrations were correlated. Calcium and magnesium concentrations decreased with age but remained within normal ranges for dairy cattle. These results indicate that it is possible to predictably control vitamin D status over a 28-d period and suggest that the preruminant calf might be useful as a model for studying effects of vitamin D on growth, development, and immune function in the neonate.