Effect of electrolyzed water supplementation in the liquid diet on the growth performance of Holstein calves

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the effect of electrolyzed water (EW) supplementation in the liquid diet on energy intake, growth performance, and health of lactating Holstein calves.

Design/methodology/approach: Forty calves were randomly assigned to two treatments: T1 = control and T2 = 5 mL of EW (Supra®) per liter of milk. Calves received colostrum after birth and were individually housed in disinfected metal hutches. Liquid feeding lasted for 60 days, and growth was monitored until 100 days of age. Body weight was recorded every 10 days. Milk and starter intake were measured to estimate metabolizable energy intake. Health was evaluated by recording the incidence of diarrhea, pneumonia, and mortality. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-tests, repeated-measures mixed models, and Pearson’s χ² tests (p < 0.05).

Results: Average daily gain, weight gain, feed conversion, and metabolizable energy intake were similar between treatments (p > 0.05). The incidence of diarrhea and pneumonia did not differ, and no mortality was recorded.

Limitations on study/implications: The study was conducted under controlled management and hygiene conditions, which may limit the extrapolation of results to herds with higher sanitary challenges.

Findings/conclusions: Electrolyzed water supplementation in the liquid diet of Holstein calves did not affect growth, feed efficiency, or health.