Effect of 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D 3 on Vitamin D and Immunoglobulin G Status, Performance, and Health of Periparturient Cows and Their Calves

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to explore the effects of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 on (1) colostrum yield and compositions, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 , minerals, and health of periparturient cows and (2) 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 and minerals status, growth performance, and health of their calves. Forty multiparous dry cows were assigned to either vitamin D 3 group or 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 group. After calving, all their calves received colostrum from their own dams; calves were respectively assigned to one of four treatments: (1) calves from D‐VD group were fed vitamin D 3 ; (2) calves from D‐VD group were fed 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 ; (3) calves from D‐25D group were fed vitamin D 3 ; (4) calves from D‐25D group were fed 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 . Feeding 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 significantly increased ( p < 0.05) 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 , calcium and phosphorus in serum and colostrum, serum antioxidant capacity and immunoglobulin G (IgG) of periparturient cows, and significantly increased ( p < 0.05) serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 , calcium, and phosphorus in calves at birth. Feeding 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 calves improved ( p < 0.05) weaning weight, skeletal growth, and average daily gain together with increased antioxidant capacity and IgG. In conclusion, supplementing 25‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 to periparturient cows and their calves improved colostrum and health of cows and growth and health of their calves.