Effects
of prepartum high linoleic safflower seed supplementation for gestating Cows on
performance of cows and calves
H.
B. Encinias, A .M. Encinias, J. J. Spickler, B. Kreft, M. L. Bauer, G. P. Lardy
Effects of prepartum safflower supplementation for beef cows on cold tolerance and performance of calves were investigated in two studies. In Exp. 1, 44 crossbred cows (601.4 ± 46.9 kg initial weight) received isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets containing either 2.5 (LF) or 5.1% (HF) dietary fat beginning approximately 45 d prior to calving. Rolled safflower seeds (32% fat; 80% linoleic acid) were supplemented in HF. Safflower meal was used as protein source in LF supplement. Body weight and condition were similar initially and at weaning, as was final weight. LF cows had more body condition at the end of supplementation (P = 0.07). Birth weights and weaning weights of calves were not different. In Exp. 2, 63 cows (729.4 ± 80.0 kg initial weight), 56 ± 7 d prepartum, were allotted randomly to dietary treatment (2 pens / treatment) consisting of HF and LF. Supplement and basal diet composition were similar to Exp. 1. Diet intake, initial and final BW, and body condition of cows were measured. Variables measured in calves included birth weights and weaning weights. High fat cows tended to have higher intake (P = 0.14). Body weight and condition of cows were similar. High fat cows tended to gain more throughout the trial (P = 0.10). Neither calf birth weight nor weaning weight was different. Supplemental safflower seed fed to cows did not affect cow or calf performance.
Key words: Safflower, Linoleic Acid, Supplementation, Fat, Calf Performance