Thyroid Gland Hormones in Newborn Calves Treated with Clinoptilolite Receiving Different Amounts of Colostrum
The study aimed to investigate the effects of clinoptilolite, a natural mineral adsorbent, on serum thyroid hormone levels in newborn Holstein calves during the first 48 hours postpartum. A total of 68 calves were divided into four groups based on the amount of colostrum received and whether they were treated with clinoptilolite. The groups included: 1) 0.75 L of colostrum with clinoptilolite (0.75+), 2) 0.75 L of colostrum without clinoptilolite (0.75-), 3) 1.5 L of colostrum with clinoptilolite (1.5+), and 4) 1.5 L of colostrum without clinoptilolite (1.5-).
At birth, calves exhibited high serum concentrations of thyroid hormones (T3: 9.7-13.5 nmol/L; T4: 201-235 nmol/L). Serum levels of T3 and T4 increased at 6 hours after birth but significantly decreased by 48 hours. Notably, the group receiving 1.5 L of colostrum with clinoptilolite showed a significant reduction in T3 levels at 6 hours compared to the control group (11.7±3.4 vs. 19.4±7.4 nmol/L, p<0.01). The study concluded that clinoptilolite treatment may influence thyroid hormone concentrations in newborn calves, potentially by enhancing nutrient absorption from colostrum, although further investigation is warranted.
This research paper contributes to the field of veterinary medicine and animal nutrition by exploring the relationship between mineral supplementation and hormone regulation in neonatal calves. Understanding how clinoptilolite affects thyroid hormone levels can inform practices related to calf nutrition and health management, particularly in the critical early days of life. The findings may stimulate further research into the use of natural mineral adsorbents in livestock, potentially leading to improved growth rates and health outcomes in calves. The study also highlights the importance of colostrum intake for neonatal development, reinforcing existing knowledge in the field.
