Effects of nickel supplementation on nutrient utilization, mineral balance, haematology and antioxidant status of crossbred dairy calves

• Published in: Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology 2023-09, Vol.79, p.127250-127250, Article 127250
• Main Authors: Shambhvi, Datt, Chander, Thamizhan, P., Chauhan, Prince, Dudi, Kuldeep, Mani, Veena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal Feed - analysis; Animals; Antioxidant enzymes; Antioxidants - metabolism; Body Weight; Cattle; Crossbred dairy calves; Diet - veterinary; Dietary Supplements; Haematology; Male; Mineral balance; Minerals; Nickel; Nickel - pharmacology; Nutrients; Plasma minerals; Trace Elements - metabolism
• ISSN: 0946-672X; 1878-3252
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127250

Nickel has been identified as an important newer trace mineral playing essential role in animals however, its precise mechanism of action in the body is yet to be determined. Interaction of Ni with other essential minerals is suggested in reports limited to lab animals and needs to be explored further in large animals. This study was conducted to study the influence of Ni supplementation at different levels, on minerals and health status of crossbred dairy calves. Twenty-four Karan Fries crossbred (Tharparkar × Holstein Friesian) male dairy calves were selected based on body weight (137.09 ± 5.68) and age (10.78 ± 0.61) and were divided into 4 treatment groups (n = 6) given basal diet supplemented with 0 (Ni0), 5 (Ni5), 7.5 (Ni7.5) and 10 (Ni10) ppm Ni/kg of DM. Nickel was supplemented in the form of nickel sulphate hexahydrate (NiSO4.6 H2O) solution. To ensure the intake of the required amount of nickel by each animal, the calculated quantity of solution was mixed with 250 g concentrate mixture and offered individually to the calves. The calves were fed total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of green fodder, wheat straw and concentrate mixture in the ratio of 40:20:40 and the nutritional requirements were met according to NRC (2001) guidelines. Growth performance was recorded at fortnightly interval whereas, plasma minerals, haematology, antioxidant and immunity parameters were studied at monthly interval during the 150-day experimental period. Nutrient utilization and mineral balances were estimated with the help of a metabolism trial conducted at the end of feeding trial. Supplementation of Ni exhibited no influence on dry matter intake (DMI), body weight, average daily gain (ADG) and nutrient digestibility of dairy calves. However, the absorption and balance of minerals such as Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn and their respective plasma concentration increased (P