Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Stunted Versus Normal-Growing Calves in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

Stunted growth in calves is a multifactorial condition associated with nutritional deficiency, infectious disease, and endocrine dysregulation, with insulin-like growth factor-1 serving as a key mediator of somatic growth. This study compared serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations in stunted and normal-growing Zebu calves in Lafia, Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Fifty calves aged two to four months were classified as stunted (withers height and weight below tenth percentile for age and breed) or normal-growing. Blood samples were collected and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay alongside serum total protein, albumin, and insulin. Stunted calves had significantly lower insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations compared to normal-growing controls, with mean values of 78.4 ng/mL versus 142.7 ng/mL respectively. Total protein and albumin were also significantly reduced in stunted calves, suggesting protein-energy malnutrition as a proximate cause. Serum insulin did not differ between groups. Faecal analysis confirmed that stunted calves had higher concurrent gastrointestinal parasite burdens. The interaction between malnutrition and helminthiasis likely suppresses hepatic insulin-like growth factor-1 synthesis through impaired protein availability. This study recommends integrated nutritional and antiparasitic interventions to address calf stunting in North Central Nigerian production systems. Keywords: insulin-like growth factor-1, stunted growth, calves, malnutrition, Nasarawa.