Incidence of iron deficiency in crossbred cow calves reared on pucca floor

A total of 115 crossbred cow calves (1_3 months age), reared on pucca floor, in and around the Ludhiana, Moga and Sangrur districts of Punjab, were sampled to record the prevalence of iron deficiency. Hemoglobin concentration and PCV was low in 52.2 and 62.6% of crossbred calves respectively. Plasma iron concentration was low in 45.2% of calves. Prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia was 45.2 and 27.8% respectively, in calves reared on pucca floor. Iron deficiency anaemia was substantiated by a treatment trial of iron dextran on 9 iron deficient anemic cow calves of 4_8 weeks age, which were administered 2 injections of iron dextran @250 mg by deep intramuscular route weekly. Mean values of Hb, PCV, plasma Fe concentration and percent transferrin saturation increased significantly by the day 15th of treatment. Totaliron binding capacity showed significant decrease on the day 7th and 15th of treatment. It was concluded that 2 injections of iron dextran @250 mg at weekly interval were effectie in ameliorating the anaemia in crossbred cow calves. It was hypothesized from this study that iron deficiency is common in cow calves of 1_3 months of age and they should be supplemented with iron orally of parentraly.