Well water might contain greater concentrations of ferrous iron (Fe2+) than the suggested minimal tolerable amount for dairy calves (0.3 mg Fe/L). Ferrous iron is more biologically available compared with ferric iron (Fe3+) and might have biologically negative effects on serum iron status, water and dry matter intake, and growth of calves. Our objective was to evaluate whether or not pre- and post-weaned calves show preference to waters containing Fe2+, characterize Fe status through serial blood collections, measure water and starter pellet intake, and monitor growth through a series of experiments. In experiments 1 and 2, a non-parametric ranking design was used to evaluate pre- and post-weaned calves’ preference for six concentrations of Fe2+ drinking water (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, or 20 mg Fe/L). Water and dry matter intake were measured 3 times per day. There was slight kappa agreement (κ = 0.03) of water ranking among pre-weaned calves and moderate kappa agreement (κ = 0.36) of water ranking among post-weaned calves.. Pre-weaned calves ranked 0 mg Fe/L treatment 1st or 2nd. Post-weaned calves preferred water with 0 mg Fe/L compared with water with added Fe2+. In experiment 3, serum Fe and total iron-binding saturation (TIBS) of pre-weaned calves increased with increasing Fe2+ treatment (0, 2, 4, 8, or 12 mg Fe/L). Drinking water and starter pellet intake increased by week, but was not affected by treatment. The Fe2+ treatments did not detrimentally affect pre-weaned calves between 28 and 56 d of age.
Read
