Effects of High Protein Diets with Normal and Low Energy Intake on Wound Healing, Hair Growth, Hair and Serum Zinc, and Serum Alkaline Phosphatase in Dairy Heifers

    August 1969 in “ Journal of Nutrition ”
    W.J. Miller, Y.G. Martin, D.M. Blackmon, P.R. Fowler
    TLDR High protein diets improve wound healing and hair growth in calves, regardless of energy intake.
    In a study involving 24 female Holstein calves, researchers examined the effects of varying protein and energy intake levels on wound healing, hair growth, and other health indicators. Calves on a high protein diet with 100% energy intake showed faster wound healing, while those on a high protein diet with restricted energy intake healed at a rate similar to controls, suggesting protein intake was more crucial for healing than energy intake. High protein diets also slightly improved average daily gains, feed efficiency, and hair growth rate. However, hair and serum zinc content, serum alkaline phosphatase, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin levels were not significantly affected by increased protein intake. Restricting energy intake in high protein diets reduced weight gains, feed efficiency, hair growth, and serum alkaline phosphatase but did not impact hair and serum zinc, PCV, and hemoglobin values.
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