Effect of injection of vitamin C and copper to transition dairy cows on colostrum composition and serum metabolites of neonatal calves

In the present study the effect of vitamin C and copper injection in transition dairy cows on colostrum composition and serum metabolites of neonatal dairy calves was examined. Twenty multiparous (second parity, with 603.2 ± 53 kg average BW) and twenty multiparous (third and fourth parity, 669.1± 51 kg average BW) selected and divided to four balanced groups based on BW abd parity. Experimental treatments consisted of control (injection of 7 ml of NaCl % 0.9), Vitamin C (injection of 25 mg vitamin C solution/kg BW), Copper (injection of 75 mg copper solution/day) and Vitamin C-Copper (simultaneous injection of 25 mg vitamin C solution/ kg BW and 75 mg copper solution/day). Solutions were injected on d 20 and 40 before of expected calving. Copper injection increased red blood cells counts and serum concentration of copper (P < 0.05) compared with not injected groups. Colostrum fat, protein, lactose, solid not fat and immunoglobulin G concentrations, calf birth weight, serum concentration of vitamin C, superoxide dismutase, calcium, phosphorus and metabolites did not affected by simultaneous injections of vitamin C and copper solutions. Blood neutrophil count in calves of cows receiving simultaneous injection of vitamin C and copper solutions tended to increase (P = 0.06) compared with other groups. In general, simultaneous injection of vitamin C and copper during the dry period had no effect on colostrum composition and blood parameters in postpartum dairy cows, but may improve immunity system of their calves by increasing blood neutrophil concentration.