Date of Award

Winter 2010

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Animal Science

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Peter S Erickson

Abstract

Fifty-two calves were assigned to a randomized complete block design and were randomly assigned by block to one of four treatments: colostrum replacer with no sodium bicarbonate, colostrum replacer with 15g of sodium bicarbonate, colostrum replacer with 30g of sodium bicarbonate, and colostrum replacer with 45g of sodium bicarbonate to test for linear and quadratic effects. Calves were fed colostrum replacer (≥200g of IgG) in one feeding at 0 h and 2L milk replacer at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Only calves from multiparous cows, without dystocia, and born in calving pens were used. Sodium bicarbonate had a negative effect on IgG absorption, apparent efficiency of absorption, and area under the curve especially when the 45g treatment was fed. Sodium bicarbonate treatments had no effect on hematocrit. Serum bicarbonate concentrations and area under the curve for sodium bicarbonate increased with amount of sodium bicarbonate fed.

Share

COinS