Influence of Homogenization of Fat on Haircoat of Dairy Calves

The study investigated the effects of feeding dairy calves a diet of skim milk and soybean oil on their haircoat. Calves were fed this diet starting on the fifth day after birth, with adjustments made to the oil content to prevent nutritional scours. By two weeks of age, calves experienced hair loss primarily in the perineal region, with some dandruff but otherwise healthy-looking hair. The hair loss was not linked to infection or parasites. The condition improved as the calves began consuming hay or grain, suggesting that the physical form of the fat in their diet may have influenced haircoat health.