Influence of pooled colostrum or colostrum replacement on IgG and evaluation of animal plasma in milk replacer

Association of different classifications of hypocalcemia with quantity and quality of colostrum, milk production, and health of Holstein dams and their calves

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of serum calcium (Ca) status in the early postpartum period on the quantity and quality of colostrum, milk production, and the health of Holstein dams and their calves. One hundred multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in this study. To determine serum Ca status, blood samples were taken at 1 and 4 days in milk (DIM). Cows were categorized into 1 of 4 groups based on their serum Ca concentrations: normocalcemic (CON; Ca >1.87 at 1 DIM and >2.10mmol/L at 4 DIM, n = 36), transient SCH (TSCH; Ca ≤1.87 at 1 DIM and >2.10mmol/L at 4 DIM, n = 14), persistent SCH (PSCH; Ca ≤1.87 at 1 DIM and ≤2.10mmol/L at 4 DIM, n = 15), or delayed SCH (DSCH; Ca >1.87 at 1 DIM and ≤2.10mmol/L at 4 DIM, n = 35). The ROC curve was utilized to determine the optimal cut-off value for serum total Ca, maximizing both sensitivity and specificity in predicting metritis. Metabolic disorders such as dystocia, retained placenta, and culling within 60 DIM were not affected by serum Ca status in the early postpartum period (P > 0.10). However, the incidences of metritis and endometritis were different based on the serum Ca status of the cows. The PSCH cows had a higher incidence of metritis than the CON cows (P = 0.05). Also, the DSCH cows tended to have an increased risk of metritis than the CON cows (P = 0.09). However, metritis incidence in the TSCH and CON cows was similar (P = 0.83). Cows with PSCH (P = 0.07) and DSCH (P = 0.10) tended to be at a higher risk for endometritis than the CON cows. But, the incidence of endometritis in the TSCH and CON cows was not different (P = 0.50). The TSCH cows had higher milk yield than the PSCH and DSCH cows (P = 0.05). However, milk yield was not different between the TSCH and CON cows and the PSCH and DSCH and CON cows. The serum Ca status of cows had no effect on colostrum volume and its quality, age and weight of weaning, and average daily gain of calves (P > 0.10). The proportion of calves experiencing failure of passive transfer (FPT) was greater in the PSCH group than in the CON group (P = 0.03). Also, the FPT tended to be higher in the DSCH calves compared to the CON calves (P = 0.10). However, the FPT in the TSCH and CON calves was not different (P = 0.83). The incidence of diarrhea tended to be higher in the PSCH and DSCH calves compared to the CON calves (P = 0.10). However, diarrhea incidence between the TSCH and CON calves was similar (P = 0.97). Overall, the findings of this study suggest that cows with TSCH showed better adaptation to lactation, experienced a lower occurrence of diseases and produced higher milk compared to PSCH and DSCH cows. Furthermore, despite the similar quantity and quality of colostrum across all groups, the PSCH and DSCH groups displayed a greater proportion of calves experiencing FPT and diarrhea in comparison to the TSCH group.

Comparative Analysis of Maternal Colostrum and Colostrum Replacer Effects on Immunity, Growth, and Health of Japanese Black Calves

Maternal colostrum (MC) is an important source of nutrients and immune factors for newborn calves. However, when colostrum is unavailable or of poor quality, a colostrum replacer (CR) may be a suitable alternative to MC. As stock-raising farmers must make informed decisions about colostrum feeding management, this study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding MC versus CR on the promotion of immunological status, growth, and health in pre-weaned Japanese black (JB) calves. Sixteen newborn JB calves were fed MC after birth, and 16 JB calves were fed CR. For the MC group, the numbers of γδ T cells, CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, CD4+CD8+ cells, B cells, and MHC class II+ cells were significantly higher compared with the CR group. Furthermore, the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β-, IL-2-, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-encoding mRNAs were significantly higher in the MC group compared with the CR group. A lower incidence of disease in 1-month-old calves and higher carcass weight in the MC group were observed compared with the CR group. These results suggest that CR activates the immune system delayed in calves compared with MC. MC increases populations of various immunocompetent cells, which can reduce infection rates and improve body weight gain.

Review: Feeding strategies for rearing replacement dairy goats - from birth to kidding

Goat kid rearing is a key profit driver and the cornerstone of future herd productivity in dairy systems. As goat kids get older, and progress from liquid (i.e., colostrum, milk) to solid feed (i.e., concentrate, hay, pasture), there is a reduction not only in feed cost but also in labour cost, disease susceptibility and mortality rates. Hence, research on rearing dairy goats has traditionally focused on improving early neonatal performance. However, recent research reveals that early-life nutrition may have long-term effects, and consequently, impact the lifetime productive performance and health of dairy goats. Therefore, this literature review has collected research on the various aspects of rearing replacement dairy goat kids in different production systems. It summarises research on areas such as colostrum management (i.e., colostrum quality, time, volume and frequency of colostrum feeding), liquid feeding in preweaned kids (i.e., maternal suckling vs artificial, restricted vs unrestricted), weaning strategies (i.e., abrupt vs step-down), and postweaning to postpubertal nutrition in replacement dairy goats, whilst highlighting gaps in the existing literature, and areas where it would be beneficial to refine and validate current recommendations. Such information can be used in the development of management plans to maximise the benefits of early-life nutrition on the long-term productivity of dairy goats.

Effect of heating bovine colostrum at 60°C for 90' on colostrum quality and, the health and growth characteristics of Holstein dairy calves

AIMS

The major objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of heat-treating colostrum on the subsequent growth characteristics (weight gain, body size, dry matter intake and feed efficiency rate) and health of Holstein calves.

METHODS

A total of 1200 neonatal Holstein calves on one commercial dairy farm were enrolled. The calves were divided into heat-treated (60°C for 90 min) and unheated (raw) colostrum groups. Calf serum IgG and total protein concentrations were measured before and after colostrum consumption. Health characteristics and disease prevalence were recorded during the suckling period.

RESULTS

Consumption of heat-treated colostrum led to increased serum IgG (P < 0.0001) and total protein (P < 0.0001) concentrations, increased apparent efficacy of IgG absorption (P < 0.0001) and increased general health condition, weight gain (P < 0.0001) and clinical performance.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Heat-treatment of colostrum is an effective method to improve health and increase growth characteristics (weight gain, body size, dry matter intake and feed efficiency rate) of neonatal dairy calves, most likely by decreasing microbial load and facilitating IgG absorption.

Prevalence of failure of passive immunity transfer in Australian non-replacement dairy calves

Failure of passive immunity transfer (FPIT) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves. The prevalence of FPIT in dairy calves has generally been reported to be high, with FPIT estimated to occur in 38%–42% of Australian dairy calves. However, the focus of previous studies has been on replacement heifer calves. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of FPIT in Victorian bobby calves (non‐replacement dairy calves). We collected blood samples from 3608 bobby calves at three abattoirs at exsanguination, and measured serum total protein as an indicator of passive transfer. We found that 36% of bobby calves showed evidence of FPIT (serum total protein ≤52 g/L), and 50% of calves had poor or fair passive transfer (<58 g/L). When a subset of calves (from farms with more than five calves in the dataset) was analysed using a linear mixed model, Jersey calves and crossbred/other calves had an estimated 5.3 g/L and 5.1 g/L higher serum total protein concentration, respectively, than Holstein‐Friesian calves (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the prevalence of FPIT in bobby calves at abattoirs is similar to that reported in dairy heifer calves sampled on farms. A high prevalence of FPIT has implications for bobby calf morbidity and mortality, as well as calf viability and profitability for dairy‐beef production.

Invited review: The importance of colostrum in the newborn dairy calf

It is critical that bovine maternal colostrum is fed to newborn calves during their first hours of life. Colostrum is the secretion a cow produces after mammary involution that is rich in various nutrients. In addition to the nutritive value for newborn calves, immunoglobulins are of interest due to their role in developing the naïve immune system of calves at birth. The process by which a calf acquires immunity via absorption of immunoglobulins is defined as passive immunity. When calves consume an adequate amount of immunoglobulins, they are classified as having successful passive immunity (SPI). In contrast, if they are deprived of adequate colostrum, they are considered to have had a failure of transfer of passive immunity (FPI). Transfer of passive immunity is assessed by measuring serum IgG concentrations at 24 to 48 h of age. The major factors that influence whether a calf has SPI or FPI are colostrum IgG concentration, quantity fed, and age of calf at colostrum feeding. Monitoring apparent efficiency of immunoglobulin absorption in calves is often recommended to evaluate overall colostrum management practices. Serum IgG analyses can be determined with direct (radial immunodiffusion) or indirect (refractometry) methods and used to assess SPI or FPI prevalence.

Performance of Hanwoo calves fed a commercial colostrum replacer versus natural bovine colostrum

Supplying a sufficient amount of high-quality colostrum is a prevailing challenge in Hanwoo calf production systems. This study aimed to describe the efficiency of a lacteal-derived colostrum replacer versus natural bovine colostrum (from Holstein) fed to Hanwoo calves. Forty newborn Hanwoo calves (25 males and 15 females; 30.7 ± 3.15 kg body weight [mean ± standard deviation]) were blocked by sex and birth weight and fed either natural colostrum or a commercial colostrum replacer. Calves displayed a narrow difference in the evolution of body weight and structural body dimensions when they received a commercial versus natural colostrum. Minor differences existed in the starter and total dry matter consumption between calves fed natural or commercial colostrum. Although the colostrum source had no significant effects on days to first diarrhea (average of 7.6 days; p = 0.17), the duration of diarrhea was longer in natural colostrum-fed calves (3.2 vs. 4.5 days; p = 0.04). Consumption of natural colostrum resulted in greater mean serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) on day 2 (14.7 vs. 10.8 ± 0.92 mg/mL) and day 7 (8.21 vs. 5.12 ± 0.82 mg/mL) of calf life, resulting in a greater proportion of commercial colostrum-fed calves (50% vs. 15%; day 2) to experience failure of passive transfer of immunity (serum IgG < cutoff point of 10 mg/mL). Overall, growth rate, body frame development, and incidence of diarrheal disease were not different in both groups. These results suggested that the colostrum replacer product tested in this study could be an alternative to natural colostrum derived from Holstein cow in securing calf growth and health in Hanwoo calf-rearing operations.

Management-related factors in dry cows and their associations with colostrum quantity and quality on a large commercial dairy farm

The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the association of management-related factors in dry cows and colostrum quantity and quality in Holstein cows on a large commercial dairy farm. This study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020 on a commercial dairy farm in Germany, milking approximately 2,500 Holstein cows. Dairy personnel recorded colostrum quantity (n = 7,562) and evaluated colostrum quality in a subsample of animals (n = 2,600) using a digital Brix refractometer. Generalized linear mixed models were constructed to evaluate the association of management-related factors and colostrum quantity and quality. Models were run separately for primiparous or multiparous cows. The outcome variable was either colostrum quantity (kg) or quality (% Brix). Average colostrum quantity was 4.0 ± 2.5 kg, 5.1 ± 3.4 kg, and 5.5 ± 3.5 kg for cows in lactation 1, 2, and ≥3, respectively. In primiparous cows (n = 2,351), colostrum quantity was affected by month of calving (greatest in April = 4.1 kg, and lowest in November = 3.2 kg), sex of the calf (female singleton = 3.50 ± 0.26 kg; male singleton = 3.76 ± 0.27 kg; twins = 2.97 ± 0.66 kg), stillbirth (stillbirth = 3.14 ± 0.39 kg; no stillbirth = 3.68 ± 0.31 kg). In multiparous cows (n = 5,216), colostrum quantity was affected by month of calving (greatest in May = 5.5 kg, and lowest in October = 3.8 kg), calving ease (calving ease 0 = 4.23 ± 0.26 kg; score 1 = 4.77 ± 0.21 kg; score 2 = 4.98 ± 0.22 kg; score 3 = 5.30 ± 0.22 kg), sex of the calf (female singleton = 4.42 ± 0.21 kg; male singleton = 5.00 ± 0.21 kg; twins = 5.03 ± 0.30 kg), stillbirth (stillbirth = 4.24 ± 0.38 kg; no stillbirth = 5.39 ± 0.11 kg), milk yield in previous lactation (+0.1 kg increase for 1,000 kg more milk yield in previous lactation), days spent in the far-off group (0.05 ± 0.003 kg for every day), and days in the close-up pen (0.06 ± 0.010 kg for every day). Average colostrum quality was 25.1 ± 3.4% Brix, 24.7 ± 3.3% Brix, and 27.6 ± 4.4% Brix for cows in lactation 1, 2, and ≥3, respectively. In primiparous cows (n = 817), colostrum quality was affected only by month of calving. Colostrum quality in primiparous cows was greatest in December (26.8% Brix) and lowest in August (23.9% Brix). In multiparous cows (n = 1,783), colostrum quality was affected by parity (lactation 2 = 25.2 ± 2.7% Brix; lactation 3+ = 27.9 ± 2.7% Brix), month of calving (greatest in February = 27.5% Brix, and lowest in August = 25.7% Brix), milk yield in previous lactation, and colostrum quantity. We observed a seasonal pattern for colostrum quantity and quality. Future intervention studies using multiple farms need to elucidate whether management of the photoperiod or length of exposure to close-up diets, or both, can help to optimize colostrum production.

Colostrum source and passive immunity transfer in dairy bull calves

Colostrum is essential for good neonate health; however, it is not known whether different calves absorb the nutrients from colostrum equally well. In this study, the absorption of protein, IgG, and γ-glutamyl transferase was compared in newborn dairy bull calves for 1 wk after feeding colostrum from different sources. Thirty-five Holstein-Friesian bull calves were randomly allocated into 3 groups and fed colostrum within 4 h after birth. Group A calves (n = 12) were bottle fed colostrum from their own dam for 3 d. Colostrum from these group A cows was also used as foster cow colostrum for the group B calves (n = 12), such that each group A and B calf pair received identical colostrum from each milking of the respective group A dam (10% of birth weight per day). The group C calves (n = 11) were fed 1 bottle (2 L) of pooled colostrum and transition milk (referred to as pooled colostrum), as was the standard practice on the dairy farm. The pooled colostrum was collected from the other dairy cows on the farm 0 to 4 d postpartum and stored at 4°C for less than 12 h. Blood was sampled from calves before the first feeding and at 1, 2, 3, and 7 d after birth. Levels of total solids, total protein, and IgG were higher in the dam colostrum than in the pooled colostrum. At birth, there were no differences between the calf groups for any measurements, and all calves had very low IgG levels. After receiving colostrum, the glucose, plasma γ-glutamyl transferase, serum total protein, and IgG concentrations increased significantly in all calves. There were no differences in any blood measurements at any time point between the pairs of group A and group B calves that received colostrum from the same cow except for the IgG concentration 2 d after birth. However, the group A calves had a higher total serum protein level and IgG concentration than the group C calves for all the time points after the first feeding. The group B calves had a higher IgG concentration than the group C calves on d 1, 2, and 7 after birth. Compared with groups A and B, there was no difference in the proportion of calves in group C that failed to have passive immunity transferred adequately based on the IgG threshold (<10 g/L). Thus, the calves receiving identical colostrum from the same cow had the same levels of IgG, and even the pooled colostrum provided sufficient transfer of IgG as the calves were fed within 4 h after birth.

Extended transition milk feeding for 3 weeks improves growth performance and reduces the susceptibility to diarrhea in newborn female Holstein calves

Dairy calves may benefit from extending the duration of feeding transition milk (TM; the subsequent two to six milkings after parturition) to enhance performance and health during early life. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of replacing pasteurized waste milk (non-saleable milk containing antibiotic and/or drug residues) with pasteurized TM for 3 weeks on the growth performance and health of dairy calves. A total of 84 healthy newborn female Holstein calves were blocked by birth order and assigned randomly to 4 treatment groups with partial replacement of pasteurized waste milk by TM (second milkings after parturition) at 0 (0 l/day TM + 6 l/day milk), 0.5 (0.5 l/day TM + 5.5 l/day milk), 1 (1 l/day TM + 5 l/day milk), or 2 l (2 l/day TM + 4 l/day milk) for a 21-day period. From day 22 onward, all calves were fed individually with 6 l/day pasteurized waste milk. Calves were weaned on day 60 and monitored until day 90 of the study. Liquid feed DM intake (DMI) was increased with increasing levels of TM (P = 0.001). Starter feed DMI and total DMI (liquid feed DMI + starter feed DMI) were not affected by the treatment effect. Calves were fed 2 l/day TM gained more BW compared with those in the control group during the postweaning and overall periods. The average daily gain tended (P = 0.06) to be higher in calves fed 2 l/day TM compared with calves fed 0 (+ 65 g/day), 0.5 (+ 53 g/day), or 1 (+ 76 g/day) l/day TM during the preweaning period. Daily weight gain was also higher in calves fed 2 l/day TM compared with calves in the control group during the postweaning (+ 137 g/day; P = 0.04) and overall (+89 g/day; P < 0.01) periods, respectively. Calves fed 2 l/day TM had a higher feed efficiency compared with calves in the control group during all studied periods. The calves fed TM2 had a lower chance of having diarrhea compared with other treatment groups. Duration but not the frequency of diarrhea was lower in calves fed TM2 vs TM0 (2.5 vs 4.2days; P = 0.03). In general, partial replacement of waste milk with TM (2 l/day) may be recommended to feed dairy calves at an early stage of life to support a higher growth rate and health benefits.

Extended colostrum feeding for 2 weeks improves growth performance and reduces the susceptibility to diarrhea and pneumonia in neonatal Holstein dairy calves

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of partial replacement of whole milk with colostrum on the growth performance and health status of Holstein dairy calves. Neonatal heifer calves (n = 144; 2 d of age; 39.3 ± 0.82 kg of body weight, BW; mean ± SE) were assigned randomly to 3 groups with partial replacement of pasteurized whole milk with pasteurized colostrum at 0 (C0; 0 kg/d of colostrum + 5 kg/d of whole milk), 350 g (C350; 0.350 kg/d of colostrum + 4.650 kg/d of whole milk), or 700 g (C700; 0.700 kg/d of colostrum + 4.300 kg/d of whole milk) for 14 d; there were no refusals of liquid feed. From d 15 onward, the calves were fed with 5 kg/d of pasteurized whole milk, weaned on d 61, and monitored until d 81 of life. Throughout the study, the calves had free access to fresh clean water and calf starter. Partial replacement of whole milk with colostrum increased liquid feed dry matter intake (DMI) but decreased milk DMI; however, intakes of starter DMI, total DMI, metabolizable energy, crude protein, and ether extract were not affected by treatments. Overall, the C700 calves recorded greater weaning weight, final BW, heart girth change, feed efficiency, and average daily gain (ADG). The calves fed milk had a higher chance of having rectal temperature ≥39.4°C and general appearance score ≥2 compared with those receiving colostrum in their milk. Diarrhea was more prevalent in C0 versus C700 calves. The occurrence of pneumonia tended to be higher in milk-fed calves compared with C350 and C700 animals. Colostrum feeding resulted in fewer days with a rectal temperature ≥39.4°C, general appearance ≥2, diarrhea, and pneumonia. We computed Cliff's delta (effect sizes) of the extended colostrum feeding (C350 vs. C0, C700 vs. C0, and C700 vs. C350) on starter and milk DMI, ADG, BW, and feed efficiency. In C350 calves, the effect sizes (Cliff's delta) for milk DMI, ADG, BW, and feed efficiency were positive and small, but negative in C700 calves. Compared with C350 treatment, C700 treatment resulted in greater final BW with moderate effect size. Positive and moderate effects of feeding colostrum (C700 vs. C0) were observed on postweaning ADG and final BW. The findings showed that the inclusion of 700 g of colostrum in 5 kg of milk may be beneficial to the growth and health of dairy calves.

Comparison of immunoglobulin G absorption in calves fed maternal colostrum, a commercial whey-based colostrum replacer, or supplemented maternal colostrum

Successful passive transfer of antibodies in neonatal calves can be achieved by feeding an adequate quantity and quality of maternal colostrum (MC) or colostrum replacer (CR). An alternative could be feeding low-quality maternal colostrum (LMC) with added IgG from a CR. The objective of this study was to determine if a commercial whey-based CR product containing low levels of casein (Premolac PLUS Bovine IgG; Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN) fed to replace MC or supplement LMC could lead to adequate serum IgG levels and apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) in neonatal dairy calves. Holstein calves (n = 20 per treatment) were separated from their dam after birth and randomly assigned to be fed 3.79 L of MC (106 g/L of IgG; 401 g of IgG fed), LMC (30 g/L IgG) supplemented with CR (41 g/L IgG; 154 g of IgG total fed; LMC-CR), or 1.3 L of 1 of 2 levels of CR (110 or 150 g of IgG fed; CR-110 or CR-150) within 1.5 h of birth. Colostrum was obtained from the first (MC) or second and third milkings (LMC) of cows from Pennsylvania State University dairy and pooled by source into large batches. Blood samples were taken from calves before colostrum feeding and 24 h after birth and were analyzed for serum total protein, total IgG, hematocrit, and Brix percentage. Calves fed MC had higher 24-h IgG values (means ± SEM) than calves fed LMC-CR (27.04 ± 1.07 vs. 22.33 ± 1.08 mg/mL, respectively). Feeding 150 g of IgG from CR led to higher 24-h serum IgG values than feeding 110 g of IgG (16.90 ± 1.09 vs. 12.79 ± 1.08 mg/mL). Serum IgG levels were different between the CR-fed calves and the calves fed LMC-CR and MC, but all had average values >10 mg/mL IgG. Calves fed LMC-CR had greater AEA than calves fed MC (54.58 ± 2.39 vs. 24.38 ± 2.36%, respectively). Among calves fed CR-110 or CR-150, AEA did not differ. Serum total protein and Brix percentage had strong correlations with actual IgG values across the entire study. We found no differences in average daily gain or health variables measured, and no differences in final hip width, withers height, or body weight for calves fed MC, LMC-CR, CR-150, or CR-110. These results indicate that CR can be fed successfully as an alternative to MC or as a supplement to colostrum with low IgG.

Symposium review: Late-gestation maternal factors affecting the health and development of dairy calves

Efficient production of heifers is fundamental to the productivity and sustainability of dairy farms. However, high preweaning morbidity and mortality rates are frequently reported worldwide, imposing substantial welfare and economic implications. A major contributing factor to disease susceptibility in the neonatal stage is the inability of calves to mount an effective immune response. Appreciation is now greater that exposure in utero to several stresses (nutritional, social, metabolic, and so on) during the last stages of pregnancy have downstream carryover effects in calves' health, growth, and development. Suboptimal intrauterine conditions during critical periods of development lead to changes in tissue structure and function that may have long-term consequences on the offspring's physiology and disease susceptibility. Indeed, preweaning metabolic function and growth are associated with future milk production. Thus, late-gestation carryover effects span into the lactating stage of the heifers. Nevertheless, researchers have been studying how to minimize these effects. This review will discuss the effects of maternal stress during late gestation on the offspring's growth, productivity, metabolism, and health. In addition, strategies focusing on maternal interventions that improve neonatal health will be discussed. A better understanding of the intrauterine conditions affecting calf health and growth may facilitate the design of management practices that could improve neonatal development and future cow productivity.

Effects of colostrum and milk replacer feeding rates on intake, growth, and digestibility in calves

Newborn Holstein male calves (n = 50) born on a single dairy farm were assigned randomly at birth to receive 3 feedings of 1.8 L of pooled maternal colostrum (MC) at 1, 6, and 12 h of age or 1 feeding of 500 g of a colostrum replacer reconstituted to 1.8 L at 1 h of age, followed by 2 feedings of 227 g of a commercial milk replacer (MR) reconstituted to 1.8 L at 6 and 12 h of age (CR). All feedings were administered by esophageal feeder. At 2 to 3 d of age, calves were transported to the experimental facility and assigned within colostrum group to receive 0.66 kg/d dry matter (DM) of MR to 39 d, and then 0.33 kg/d to 42 d (MRM) or 0.77 kg/d of MR DM to d 13, 1.03 kg/d for 22 d, and 0.51 kg/d for 7 d (MRH). The MR contained 25.8% crude protein and 17.6% crude fat (DM basis) and was based on whey proteins and lard as the primary fat source. Calf starter (21.7% crude protein, 15.7% neutral detergent fiber, 37.4% starch, DM basis) and water were available for ad libitum consumption throughout the 56-d study. Serum IgG and total protein were measured at 2 to 3 d of age. Intakes of MR and calf starter were monitored daily. Calf health and fecal scores were also monitored daily. Body weight was measured weekly, and hip width and body condition score were monitored every 2 wk. Digestion of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and ether extract were determined at 1 and 3 wk from 5 calves randomly selected within treatment and using chromic oxide as a digestibility marker added to the MR. Calves fed CR had lower serum IgG and total protein than calves fed MC. Also, calves fed CR grew more slowly, consumed less calf starter, and were less efficient to 56 d than calves fed MC. The number of days calves were treated with veterinary medications was higher when calves were fed CR. Calves fed MC-MRH gained more BW than other calves from 3 to 8 wk of age. Calves fed CR-MRH consumed less calf starter than other calves during wk 7 and 8. Digestion of nutrients at 1 and 3 wk of the study was unaffected by type of colostrum or level of MR fed and did not change from 1 to 3 wk. Over the first 2 mo of life, the calves fed MRH consumed less calf starter than calves fed MRM, but average daily gain or hip width change did not differ. One feeding of CR followed by 2 feedings of MR in the first 24 h likely reduced absorption of IgG from CR and contributed to differences in health and growth. Differences in animal performance observed in this study were unrelated to MR digestibility.

Passive transfer of immunity in dairy calves with additional consumption of immunoglobulin through colostrum supplement: effects in health and performance

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of additional consumption of immuneglobulins associated with high quality colostrum in health and performance of dairy calves. After birth, 80 females were randomly assigned to two treatments: MC) high quality colostrum, supplied in a volume corresponding to 15% of birth weight; and MC+S) high quality colostrum (15% of birth weight) + colostrum supplement. Blood parameters were not affected by the additional supply of immune globulins (Ig) by colostrum supplement feeding. The concentrate and total dry matter intakes were not affected by the administration of colostrum supplementation. The additional intake of Ig through the colostrum supplement did not affect the performance or feed efficiency of calves; however, animals doubled their birth weight at the end of the period, as occurred with MC fed calves. Regarding the health, additional supply of Ig did not affect the number of days with diarrhea, days with fever or medicated days. The additional intake of Ig via colostrum supplement in combination with high quality maternal colostrum have not improved immunity or affected the performance and health of dairy calves.

Efficacy of colostrum replacer versus maternal colostrum on immunological status, health, and growth of preweaned dairy calves

Commercially available colostrum replacers (CR) are commonly used when maternal colostrum (MC) is unavailable, for managerial convenience, to ensure quality consistency at first feeding, or in disease control and eradication programs. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of feeding First Day Formula (Accelerated Genetics, Baraboo, WI) CR versus pooled MC on immunological status, growth, and health of preweaned dairy calves. A total of 1,220 Jersey and Jersey × Holstein calves born on a California Central Valley dairy farm were assigned after birth to receive either CR or MC following a systematic allocation procedure. Calves assigned to MC were tube fed 2.8 L of MC, and calves assigned to CR were tube fed a total of 500 g of CR (150 g of immunoglobulin G; IgG) mixed into 1.9 L of water at 1 h ± 5 min after the calf was born. A subset of calves was selected for passive transfer (n = 592) and growth (n = 268) analyses. Although both coliform count and total bacteria count were low for MC and CR fed to calves during the study, the predicted probability of calves receiving contaminated liquid feed (coliform count >10,000 cfu/mL) at first feeding was reduced for calves fed CR (1.5%) compared with calves fed MC (6.1%). The mean blood concentration of IgG was lower for calves fed CR than for calves fed MC (19.6 vs. 23.4 mg/mL). However, the apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG did not differ between treatments (34.4 and 35.9% for CR and MC, respectively). Total proteins were lower in calves fed CR compared with MC at 24 h (5.16 vs. 5.84 g/dL, respectively). Calves fed CR were 1.5 kg lighter at weaning and gained 0.03 kg less per day (0.30 vs. 0.33 kg/d, respectively) than calves fed MC before weaning. Height at weaning did not differ between the 2 treatment groups. Calves fed CR tended to have a higher predicted probability of not being treated for diarrhea than calves fed MC (0.142 vs. 0.110, respectively). However, when the disease was present, CR had a higher number of treatment days compared with MC (11.6 vs. 10.8 d, respectively). The hazard ratio of dying did not differ between MC and CR; however, CR calves had a numerically higher risk (hazard ratio = 1.347) of dying compared with calves that received MC. In conclusion, IgG absorption and serum concentration of calves were adequate when calves were fed either CR or MC. The CR-fed calves had a lower probability of receiving contaminated liquid feed and performed similar in terms of health compared with calves receiving high-quality MC, although they were slightly lighter at weaning. Therefore, the CR evaluated in this study is a valid alternative to high-quality (>50 mg of IgG/mL) MC.

Evaluation of serum protein-based arrival formula and serum protein supplement (Gammulin) on growth, morbidity, and mortality of stressed (transport and cold) male dairy calves

Previous studies with calves and other species have provided evidence that blood serum-derived proteins and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) may benefit intestinal health. We assessed the effects of supplementing products containing serum proteins as a component of arrival fluid support or serum proteins plus FOS (in addition to additional solids, minerals, and vitamins) in an early life dietary supplement on performance, morbidity, and mortality of stressed (transport, cold) male calves. Male Holstein calves (n = 93) <1 wk old were stratified by arrival body weight (BW) and plasma protein concentration, and then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of one-time administration of fluid support [either control electrolyte solution (E) or the serum protein-containing arrival formula (AF)] and 14 d of either no supplementation (NG) or supplementation with Gammulin (G; APC Inc., Ankeny, IA), which contains serum proteins and FOS in addition to other solids, minerals, and vitamins. Upon arrival at the research facility, calves were orally administered either AF or E. At the next feeding, half of the calves from each fluid support treatment received either milk replacer (20% crude protein, 20% fat) or the same milk replacer supplemented with G (50 g/d during the first 14 d). Starter and water were freely available. Feed offered and refused was recorded daily. Calf health was assessed by daily assignment of fecal and respiratory scores. Stature measures and BW were determined weekly. Blood samples were obtained at d 0 (before treatments), 2, 7, 14, and 28. Calves were weaned at d 42 and remained in the experiment until d 56. After 2 wk of treatments, calves previously fed AF had greater body length (66.6 vs. 66.0 cm), intakes of dry matter (38.7 vs. 23.5 g/d) and crude protein (9.2 vs. 5.6 g/d) from starter, and cortisol concentration in blood (17.0 vs. 13.9 ng/mL) than calves fed E. Supplementation with G resulted in greater BW gain during the first 2 wk, increased intakes of dry matter and CP, and decreased respiratory scores. For the 8-wk experiment, G supplementation resulted in lower mean fecal score (1.6 vs. 1.8) and fewer antibiotic treatments per calf (1.5 vs. 2.5) than NG. Survival was greater in G than in NG calves (98 vs. 84%). Despite the marked reduction in morbidity and mortality, blood indicators of acute-phase response, urea N, and total protein were not affected by AF or G in transported cold-stressed male calves.

Effect of high-pressure processing of bovine colostrum on immunoglobulin G concentration, pathogens, viscosity, and transfer of passive immunity to calves

This study aimed to determine the effects of high-pressure processing on the immunoglobulin concentration, microbial load, viscosity, and transfer of passive immunity to calves when applied to bovine colostrum as an alternative to thermal pasteurization. A pilot study using Staphylococcus aureus was conducted to determine which pressure-time treatments are most appropriate for use with bovine colostrum, with the goals of maximizing bacterial inactivation while minimizing IgG content and viscosity changes. Following the pilot study, an inoculation study was conducted in which first-milking colostrum samples from Holstein-Friesian cows were inoculated with known concentrations of various bacteria or viruses and pressure processed at either 300 MPa for up to 60min or at 400MPa for up to 30min. The recovery of total native aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Dublin, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis, bovine herpesvirus type 1, and feline calicivirus were determined after processing. Colostrum IgG content was measured before and after pressure processing. Shear stress and viscosity for each treatment was determined over shear rates encompassing those found during calf feeding and at normal bovine body temperature (37.8°C). Following a calf trial, serum IgG concentration was measured in 14 calves fed 4 L of colostrum pressure processed at 400MPa for 15min. In the pilot study, S. aureus was effectively reduced with pressure treatment at 300 and 400MPa (0, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45min), with 2 treatments at 400MPa (30, 45min) determined to be inappropriate for use with bovine colostrum due to viscosity and IgG changes. High-pressure processing at 300MPa (30, 45, and 60min) and 400MPa (10, 15, and 20min) was shown to effectively reduce total native aerobic bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella Dublin, bovine herpesvirus type 1, and feline calicivirus populations in bovine colostrum, but no decrease occurred in Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis. All inoculation study pressure treatments insignificantly decreased IgG content of colostrum. Treatment of colostrum at 400MPa for 15min during the calf trial decreased IgG content of colostrum. Treatment at 400MPa for 15min increased colostrum viscosity, with 2 of 14 samples requiring dilution with water for calf feeding. Calves fed pressure-processed colostrum had similar serum IgG but lower efficiency of absorption than calves fed heat-treated colostrum. The results of this study suggest that high-pressure processing of bovine colostrum maintains an acceptable IgG level while decreasing bacterial and viral counts. Changes in viscosity sometimes made calf feeding more difficult, but still feasible. Additional research to optimize this technology for on-farm use is necessary.

Growth targets and rearing strategies for replacement heifers in pasture-based systems: a review

Dairy heifer growth and liveweight at first calving are regarded as important management variables affecting profitability and animal welfare. However, the appropriateness of heifer growth rate targets for different farming systems is not clear. Retrospective assessments of the association between heifer liveweight and subsequent productivity indicate significant benefits in milk production and, even, reproduction from increasing liveweight at breeding and first calving. However, prospective interventionist experiments do not concur, with very variable effects of liveweight at breeding on milk production and with only limited evidence of a positive effect of first-calving liveweight on first-lactation milk yield. In addition, any benefit in the first lactation is not evident in subsequent lactations in the limited number of long-term studies reported. Pre-weaning nutrition and average daily weight gain are areas of increasing interest, with lifelong increases in milk production resulting from accelerated growth rates during the first 8 weeks of life, indicating a possible significant return from a short-term investment. This could be one reason for the inconsistent effects of heifer liveweight at breeding and first lactation on milk production. Although the effect of pre-weaning average daily gain on heifer liveweight is short-lived, a recent meta-analysis indicated that pre-weaning average daily gain explains 22% of the variation in first-lactation milk production. Whether these differences in animal physiology have relevance in grazing systems, wherein heifers and cows do not consume sufficient nutrients to reach their potential, requires investigation. Despite considerable extension efforts over successive decades, current evidence indicates that failure to provide the new-born calf with sufficient high-quality colostrum is common. To understand the reasons for suboptimal colostrum feeding requires social research, with appropriate extension strategies developed to elicit practice change. Although there can be little doubt regarding the importance of heifer rearing to the profitability and sustainability of the farming business, the collective literature points to a failure of retrospective analyses in determining the cause of poor heifer performance. In reality, it is likely to be a combination of factors. The objective of this review is to investigate the effect of liveweight gain at various stages of the growth cycle of the heifer on the milk-production capacity of the lactating animal.

Advances in prevention and therapy of neonatal dairy calf diarrhoea: a systematical review with emphasis on colostrum management and fluid therapy

Neonatal calf diarrhoea remains the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in preweaned dairy calves worldwide. This complex disease can be triggered by both infectious and non-infectious causes. The four most important enteropathogens leading to neonatal dairy calf diarrhoea are Escherichia coli, rota- and coronavirus, and Cryptosporidium parvum. Besides treating diarrhoeic neonatal dairy calves, the veterinarian is the most obvious person to advise the dairy farmer on prevention and treatment of this disease. This review deals with prevention and treatment of neonatal dairy calf diarrhoea focusing on the importance of a good colostrum management and a correct fluid therapy.

Effect of Three Colostrum Diets on Passive Transfer of Immunity and Preweaning Health in Calves on a California Dairy following Colostrum Management Training

Following colostrum management training, a randomized field trial was conducted on a California dairy to determine the effect of supplementing pooled colostrum with either colostrum-derived replacer (CDR) or second-milking colostrum (transition milk) on failure of passive transfer (FPT) and preweaning morbidity risks. A total of 166 calves were randomly assigned to 4L first-milking pooled colostrum (treatment 1), 2L first-milking pooled colostrum and 2L of CDR (treatment 2), or 2L first-milking pooled colostrum and 2L second-milking pooled colostrum (treatment 3). Mean 24-hour serum TP and IgG for treatments 2 (TP 5.2 g/dL, IgG 15.9 g/L) and 3 (TP 5.4 g/dL, IgG 18.3 g/L) did not statistically differ but were significantly lower than for treatment 1 (TP 5.9 g/dL, IgG 24.6 g/L). Risk of FPT did not differ for treatments 1, 2, and 3 (0.0%, 9.3%, and 1.9%, resp.). Similarly, the preweaning risk of diarrhea (81.0%, 92.5%, and 87.0%, resp.) or pneumonia (6.9%, 13.2%, and 18.5%, resp.) did not differ between treatments. Feeding 4L first-milking pooled colostrum resulted in adequate passive transfer. When first-milking pooled colostrum quantity is inadequate, CDR or second-milking pooled colostrum can be used to supplement the required colostrum volume and IgG mass without adversely affecting the risks of FPT or preweaning diarrhea and pneumonia.

Efficacy of feeding a lacteal-derived colostrum replacer or pooled maternal colostrum with a low IgG concentration for prevention of failure of passive transfer in dairy calves

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of a lacteal-derived colostrum replacer (LDCR) for the prevention of failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) in calves with that of pooled maternal colostrum (MC).

DESIGN

Randomized field trial.

ANIMALS

568 heifer calves from 1 California dairy.

PROCEDURES

Calves were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups and fed 2 doses (200 g of IgG) of an LDCR or 3.8 L of pooled MC. From each calf, blood samples were collected before and approximately 24 hours after treatment. Serum IgG and total protein (TP) concentrations were quantified with standard methods, and the apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was calculated.

RESULTS

At 24 hours after treatment, mean serum TP and IgG concentrations were significantly lower for calves fed pooled MC (TP, 4.77 g/dL; IgG, 7.50 g/L), compared with those for calves fed the LDCR (TP, 5.50 g/dL; IgG, 15.15 g/L). Calves fed the LDCR were 95% less likely to develop FPT (OR, 0.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.03 to 0.08) than were calves fed pooled MC. However, the mean IgG concentration in the pooled MC fed during the study (21.1 g/L) was substantially lower than that (64.3 g/L) determined for representative samples of pooled MC from other southwestern US dairies during a national survey.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results indicated that, on this particular dairy, calves fed an LDCR were at less risk of developing FPT than were calves fed pooled MC. The LDCR evaluated was a viable alternative for the prevention of FPT in calves.

Comparison of serum immunoglobulin G half-life in dairy calves fed colostrum, colostrum replacer or administered with intravenous bovine plasma

In calves, passive immunity of immunoglobulins can be acquired through ingestion of colostrum or colostrum replacers. Plasma can been used to supplement immunoglobulins in healthy or sick calves. Serum half-life of colostral derived immuglobulin G (IgG) is estimated to be 20 days. Half-life of IgG is important in determining response to antigens and timing of vaccination in calves. To date studies evaluating half-life of colostrum replacer or plasma derived IgG are lacking. The objectives of this study were to compare the serum half-life of IgG derived from colostrum, colostrum replacer and plasma in dairy calves reared up to 35 days of age. Thirty Jersey calves were randomly assigned to receive colostrum or colostrum replacer by oroesophageal tubing or plasma by intravenous administration. Serum samples were collected at 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days. Serum IgG concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion. The results indicated that half-life for IgG in colostrum fed (28.5 days) or plasma transfused calves (27.3 days) was longer than colostrum replacer fed calves (19.1 days). Further studies are required to evaluate pathogen specific immunoglobulins in order to recommend vaccination timing in calves fed colostrum replacers.

Failure of transfer of passive immunity and agammaglobulinaemia in calves in south-west Victorian dairy herds: prevalence and risk factors

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) and agammaglobulinaemia in calves in south-west Victorian dairy herds and identify associated risk factors for both outcomes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Serum total protein was measured in 1018 calves from 100 south-west Victorian dairy herds. The proportions of calves with FTPI and agammaglobulinaemia were determined and logistic regression with random effects used to identify calf- and herd-level variables associated with both conditions.

RESULTS

In total, 38% of calves had FTPI and 8% of calves had agammaglobulinaemia. Two-thirds of herds had more than 25% of calves with FTPI. Jersey and Jersey-cross calves were less likely than Holstein-Friesian calves to have FTPI (odds ratio (OR) 0.53 and 0.57, respectively). Dairy-beef crossbreed calves were more likely to have agammaglobulinaemia than Holstein-Friesian calves (OR 3.52) and bull calves were more likely to have agammaglobulinaemia than heifer calves (OR 2.22). Removal of calves from the calving area less than twice a day was associated with increased odds of FTPI (OR 1.61) and agammaglobulinaemia (OR 1.97) relative to more frequent removal.

CONCLUSION

There is considerable potential to improve the transfer of passive immunity in dairy herds in south-west Victoria. The prevalence of both FTPI and agammaglobulinaemia is likely to be reduced by collecting calves from the calving area twice daily and hand-feeding them extra colostrum immediately after their removal from the calving area.

Effect of feeding maternal colostrum or plasma-derived or colostrum-derived colostrum replacer on passive transfer of immunity, health, and performance of preweaning heifer calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding maternal colostrum (MC), a plasma-derived (PDCR) or colostrum-derived colostrum replacer (CDCR) on passive transfer of immunity, health, and performance of preweaning heifer calves. Preplanned contrasts were performed for MC versus CR (PDCR combined with CDCR) and PDCR versus CDCR. At birth, calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: MC (n=49), 3.8L of maternal colostrum; PDCR (n=49), 550 g (1 dose; 150 g of IgG) of a PDCR; or CDCR (n=49), 470 g (1 dose; 100g IgG) of a CDCR. The best total protein cutoff for determining passive transfer was >5.2, 5.6, and 5.1g/dL for MC, PDCR, and CDCR, respectively. Serum total protein was greater for calves fed MC (mean ± SE; 6.14 ± 0.11 g/dL) than for calves fed PDCR (5.29 ± 0.11 g/dL) and CDCR (5.27 ± 0.11 g/dL). Serum IgG concentrations were greater for calves fed MC (2,098 ± 108 g/dL) than for calves fed PDCR (927 ± 107 g/dL) or CDCR (1,139 ± 108 g/dL). Apparent efficiency of absorption was greater for CDCR than PDCR (38.8 ± 3.0 vs. 21.6 ± 3.0%). Adequate passive transfer was greatest for MC (91.8%), followed by CDCR (49%) and PDCR (28.6%). Calves fed MC had greater weaning weights and body weight gain than calves fed CR. Morbidity was lower for calves fed MC (46.9%) than for calves fed PDCR (71.4%) or CDCR (67.3%). Calves fed MC tended to have lower mortality than calves fed CR. Given the conditions of this trial, feeding 3.8L of MC was superior to feeding one dose of CR. Further research is needed to evaluate calf performance when a higher dose of CR is fed.

Immune responses of Holstein and Jersey calves during the preweaning and immediate postweaned periods when fed varying planes of milk replacer

The objective was to determine the influence of breed and planes of preweaned milk replacer (MR) nutrition on the immune responses of pre- and postweaned dairy calves. Forty-two bull calves (n=20 Holstein and n=22 Jersey, 2±1 d old) were studied. Holstein and Jersey calves came from separate dairies. Calves were fed either a higher plane of MR nutrition or a lower plane of MR nutrition. Holstein and Jersey calves on the lower planes of MR nutrition were fed 454 g (as fed)/d of a 20% crude protein (CP)/20% fat MR. Holstein calves on the higher plane of MR nutrition were fed 810 and 1,180 g (as fed)/d of a 28% CP/20% fat MR for wk 1 and wk 2 to 6, respectively. Jersey calves on the higher plane of nutrition were fed 568 and 680 g (as fed)/d of a 28% CP/25% fat MR for wk 1 and wk 2 to 6, respectively. On d 4, 42, and 77, peripheral blood was collected for ex vivo immunological analyses, and on d 7 all calves were challenged subcutaneously with commercially available lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli (4 µg/kg of body weight); clinical and biochemical responses were evaluated at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 72 h. We observed a breed difference in total serum protein, wherein Jersey calves had higher concentrations than Holsteins. Holsteins and calves fed the higher plane of MR nutrition had greater glucose concentrations following the LPS challenge. With the exception of plasma haptoglobin concentrations at 24 h postchallenge, we observed no treatment × time interactions following the LPS challenge. Calves fed higher planes of MR nutrition had greater plasma haptoglobin concentrations 24h following the LPS challenge. Isolated mononuclear cells from Holstein calves secreted more tumor necrosis factor-α than did cells from Jersey calves when stimulated ex vivo with LPS on d 77. In addition, when whole blood was incubated with a live enteropathogenic E. coli culture, blood from Holsteins had a greater killing capacity than did whole blood from Jerseys. Calves fed higher planes of MR nutrition had greater neutrophil oxidative burst intensities at d 77 when cocultured with E. coli for 10 min. In addition, Jersey calves fed the lower plane of MR nutrition had reduced neutrophil oxidative burst capacity and whole blood E. coli killing at d 77 compared with the other groups. These data indicate that Jersey calves had lower measures of many innate immune variables despite likely having greater passive transfer, as evidenced by greater total serum protein concentrations. Furthermore, feeding a higher plane of MR nutrition to Jersey calves improved some postweaning innate immune responses.

Increased colostral somatic cell counts reduce pre-weaning calf immunity, health and growth

Our objective was to study the relationships between colostral somatic cell counts (SCC, a criterion for mastitis severity at parturition) and early calf growth, blood indicators of immunity, and pre-weaning faecal and health states. Sixty-nine Holstein cows were assigned to three groups of greater (n = 21, 5051 × 10(3)), medium (n = 38, 2138 × 10(3)) and lower (n = 10, 960 × 10(3)) colostral SCC (per ml) in a completely randomized design. Calves received 2 l of colostrum on day 1, and jugular blood was sampled at birth, at 3 h after the first colostrum feeding and at 42 days of age for immunoglobulin G (IgG) measurements. Calves were fed transition milk from their dams until 3 days of age and whole milk from 4 to 60 days of age twice daily at 10% of body weight. Health status and faecal physical scores were recorded daily for 42 days. Increased colostral SCC was associated with increased serum IgG at parturition. Colostral pH increased and fat percentage decreased linearly with the rising SCC. Feeding colostrum with greater SCC was associated with reduced serum IgG concentrations at 3 h after first colostrum feeding, greater incidences of diarrhoea and compromised health status during the first 42 days of age, and reduced weaning weight gain, but had no effects on calf body length and withers height. Colostral volume and percentages of protein, lactose, solids-non-fat, total solids and IgG were comparable among groups. Results suggest a role for SCC, as an indicator of mastitis and colostral health quality, in affecting calf health. As a result of the novelty of calf health dependence on colostral SCC found, future studies to further characterize such relationships and to uncover or rule out possible mediators are required before colostral SCC could be recommended for routine on-farm use in managing dry cow and calf production.

Comparison of passive transfer of immunity in neonatal dairy calves fed colostrum or bovine serum-based colostrum replacement and colostrum supplement products

OBJECTIVE

To compare serum total protein (sTP) and serum IgG (sIgG) concentrations In neonatal calves administered colostrum or a bovine serum-based colostrum replacement (CR) product followed by a bovine serum-based colostrum supplement (CS) product.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

ANIMALS

18 Jersey and 269 Holstein neonatal heifer calves.

PROCEDURES

141 calves were given 4 L of colostrum in 1 or 2 feedings (first or only feeding was provided≤2 hours after birth; when applicable, a second feeding was provided between 2 and 12 hours after birth). Other calves (n=146) were fed 2 L of a CR product≤2 hours after birth and then 2 L of a CS product between 2 and 12 hours after birth. Concentrations of sTP and sIgG were measured 1 to 7 days after birth. Data from cohorts on individual farms and for all farms were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean sTP and sIgG concentrations differed significantly between feeding groups. In calves fed colostrum and calves fed CR and CS products, mean±SD sTP concentration was 5.58±0.67 g/dL and 5.26±0.54 g/dL, respectively, and mean sIgG concentration was 1,868±854 mg/dL and 1,320±620 mg/dL, respectively. The percentage of calves that had failure of passive transfer of immunity (ie, sIgG concentrations<1,000 mg/dL) was not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggested that sequential feeding of bovine serum-based CR and CS products to neonatal calves is an alternative to feeding colostrum for achieving passive transfer of immunity.

Effect of management factors and blood metabolites during the rearing period on growth in dairy heifers on UK farms

Growth rates during rearing affect the age and body weight (BW) of replacement heifers at first calving. Diet and disease can affect growth via altered metabolic hormone concentrations, but are difficult to monitor accurately on commercial farms. This study investigated the effect of management and metabolic indices (IGF-I, insulin, glucose and urea) on the growth rate of 509 Holstein-Friesian heifers on 19 UK dairy farms. Size (BW, heart girth, height and crown-rump length) was measured at approximately 1, 6 and 15 months. The mean daily weight gain up to 6 months for all calves was 0.77kg/day, with extreme variability both between cohorts of calves (range 0.49-1.02kg/day) and between individual calves within farms (range 0.45-1.13kg/day). Growth was enhanced by supplemental colostrum, by milk replacer as opposed to whole milk and by ad libitum milk feeding and was reduced by gradual weaning and dehorning after weaning. Larger group size slowed growth before weaning (>6 calves) but increased it post-weaning (>20 calves). These management differences were reflected in altered plasma IGF-I concentrations, which were positively associated with growth throughout the rearing period. Larger calves at 1 month had a greater weight gain up to 6 months. Sub-optimum growth of some heifers within each cohort was established at an early age and resulted in animals reaching the start of breeding at an inadequate size (BW range 209-498kg at 15 months). This could be alleviated by altered management strategies and improved monitoring of growing heifers.

Short communication: Addition of milk replacer to colostrum whey: effect on immunoglobulin G passive transfer in Majorera kids

Forty-two Majorera kids (21 males and 21 females) were assigned to 3 groups, a colostrum group (C), a colostrum whey group (CW), and a colostrum whey plus milk replacer group (CWMR). All kids were fed twice on the first day and received 4 g of IgG/kg of body weight. No differences were found in serum IgG among the different treatments. Kid serum IgG concentrations on d 2 were 14.57, 17.25, and 13.32 mg/mL in the C, CW, and CWMR group, respectively. Labor time per animal was higher in the C and CW treatments than in the CWMR group (24.2 +/- 2.3, 20.9 +/- 3.4, and 16.1 +/- 1.5 min, respectively). This new management system may decrease labor costs during the colostrum feeding period.

Serum igG, blood profiles, growth and survival in goat kids supplemented with artificial colostrum on the first day of life

The objective of this study was to compare serum IgG concentrations, blood metabolites indicative of nutritional status, weight gain and mortality rate in goat kids fed a commercial colostral supplement containing immunoglobulins against several pathogen microorganisms, prior to the ingestion of the mother colostrum, and goat kids ingesting natural colostrum only. There was no difference in serum IgG concentrations between 27 kids fed a colostrum supplement (20 g, derived from cow lacteal secretions) prior to the kids’ first meal (658 ± 703 mg dl⁻¹) and 21 kids ingesting maternal colostrum freely (1011 ± 1140 mg dl⁻¹) at 24 hours of birth. Hematocrit values, serum glucose and urea concentrations at 24 hours and 5 days of age were unaffected by treatment. Serum total proteins were 14% higher (P < 0.05) in the unsuplemented group than in the supplemented group at 5 d of age. There was no significant difference between the supplemented and unsupplemented kids in daily weight gain from birth to 70 days of age (92 ± 4.8 vs 102 ± 5.1 g day⁻¹). Mortality was 4% for kids receiving the colostrum supplement as compared with 0.0% for kids ingesting maternal colostrum only. Results suggest that, in intensively managed non-dairy goats with kiddings in summer, the supplementation of this commercial colostrum derived from cow lacteal secretions and containing antibodies against diverse pathogens organisms did not enhanced growth, survival or immunity under the farming conditions of this study.

Colostrum management for dairy calves

Colostrum management is the single most important management factor in determining calf health and survival. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of North American dairy calves suffer from failure of passive transfer of antibodies from colostrum, contributing to excessively high preweaning mortality rates and other short- and long-term losses associated with animal health, welfare, and productivity. A successful colostrum management program requires producers to consistently provide calves with a sufficient volume of clean, high-quality colostrum within the first few hours of life. This article reviews the process of colostrogenesis and discusses important components of colostrum. The key components of delivering and monitoring a successful colostrum management program are discussed.

Impact of irradiation and immunoglobulin G concentration on absorption of protein and immunoglobulin G in calves fed colostrum replacer

The objective of this study was first to evaluate whether irradiation treatment of a commercial colostrum replacer (CR) affected acquisition of passive immunity. If the irradiation treatment negatively affected the acquisition of passive immunity, the second objective was to evaluate whether an increased total IgG mass, in a single feeding of CR derived from bovine serum fractions, could compensate for this effect. Acquisition of passive immunity was assessed by 24-h serum IgG levels, serum protein levels, apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) of IgG, and the ability to prevent failure of passive transfer (FPT) in day-old dairy calves fed a single feeding of CR. Single-dose packs of CR were sent to a commercial irradiation facility for electron-beam irradiation at 3 to 7 kGy (low irradiation) or 15 to 20 kGy (high irradiation). Fifty-six Holstein, Jersey, or crossbred calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments: 1) 130 g of IgG (460 g of CR), no irradiation; 2) 130 g of IgG (460 g of CR), low irradiation; 3) 160 g of IgG (518 g of CR), low irradiation; 4) 190 g of IgG (575.4 g of CR), low irradiation; and 5) 130 g of IgG (460 g of CR), high irradiation. All CR were reconstituted in water and mixed in a household blender to a constant solids concentration of 18.7%. Increasing doses of irradiation (130 g of Ig with no, low, or high irradiation) resulted in a linear decrease in 24-h serum IgG and AEA of IgG, and increased the percentage of calves with FPT. Increasing the IgG mass in the CR (130, 160, and 190 g of Ig with low irradiation) resulted in a linear increase in 24-h serum IgG and serum total protein levels, and a linear decrease in AEA of IgG. There was no effect of increasing the mass of IgG fed on the percentage of calves with FPT. The correlation between serum IgG and serum total protein at 24 h was positive; however, at 24 h the irradiation treatments reduced the serum IgG-to-serum total protein ratio. In this study, CR isolated from bovine serum, providing 130 g of IgG in the first feeding and receiving either no irradiation or a low irradiation treatment, was sufficient to prevent FPT in calves.

Influence of dietary fat and protein on body composition of Jersey bull calves

Thirty-nine bull calves between 6 and 9 d of age, were assigned to either baseline slaughter or 1 of 4 diets to determine the influence of dietary fat and protein content, at 2 levels of intake, on growth and body composition changes. Calves were assigned to the following diets a 28.5% protein and 16.4% fat milk replacer [MR; 29/16 (n = 9)], 27.3% protein and 33.4% fat MR [27/33 (n = 8)], 20.6% protein and 20.6% fat MR [20/20 (8)], or whole milk [WM (n = 8)]. Calves fed 27/33, 29/16, and WM received 180 g/d of CP to support 650 g of ADG based on predictions from the 2001 NRC. Calves were fed 3 times daily for 4 wk. Weight, hip height, wither height, heart girth, and body length were measured weekly. Weekly plasma samples were analyzed for plasma urea nitrogen, nonesterified fatty acids, and glucose. A subset of calves from each treatment was killed [29/16 (n = 7), 27/33 (n = 6), 20/20 (n = 6), and WM (n = 5)] at the end of wk 4 of treatment; processed for whole-body analysis of fat, protein, ash, and DM; and compared with baseline slaughter calves to estimate composition of empty BW gain. Calves did not differ in average weekly scour score or medication days. Feed efficiency and ADG were greatest for calves fed WM and least for calves fed 20/20; calves fed 29/16 and 27/33 did not differ. Calves fed 27/33 or WM had the greatest % body fat and gained more grams of fat than calves fed other diets. Calves fed 29/16 or 20/20 had similar % fat in empty body as baseline. Differences in % CP, % ash, or % water in empty body and empty BW gain were not detected. Calves fed 27/33 had a trend toward higher NEFA in wk 1 and 2 than calves fed 29/16 or WM. Growth of calves fed 27/33 and 29/16 were similar except that calves fed 29/16 had lower body fat % than calves fed 27/33. Calves on all diets gained less than predicted by the 2001 NRC.

Passive transfer of immunoglobulin G and preweaning health in Holstein calves fed a commercial colostrum replacer

The objective of this study was to describe passive transfer of IgG and preweaning health in newborn calves fed a commercially available plasma-derived colostrum replacement (CR) product or maternal colostrum (MC). Twelve commercial Holstein dairy farms enrolled singleton newborn heifer calves to be fed fresh MC (n = 239 calves) or one dose of CR containing 125 g of Ig (n = 218 calves) as the first colostrum feeding. For 7 of these farms that routinely provided a second feeding of 1.9 L of MC to their calves 8 to 12 h after the first colostrum feeding, calves assigned to the CR treatment group were offered a second feeding consisting of 1.9 L of commercial milk replacer supplemented with one dose of a commercially available plasma-derived colostrum supplement, containing 45 g of Ig per dose, 8 to 12 h after the first colostrum feeding. A blood sample was collected from all calves between 1 to 8 d of age for serum IgG and total protein (TP) determination, and records of all treatment and mortality events were collected until weaning. Serum IgG and TP concentrations were significantly higher in calves fed MC (IgG = 14.8 +/- 7.0 mg/mL; TP = 5.5 +/- 0.7 g/dL) compared with calves fed CR (IgG = 5.8 +/- 3.2 mg/mL; TP = 4.6 +/- 0.5 g/dL). The proportion of calves with failure of passive transfer (serum IgG <10.0 mg/mL) was 28.0 and 93.1% in the MC and CR treatment groups, respectively. Though a trend was present, the proportion of calves treated for illness was not statistically different for calves fed MC (51.9%) vs. CR (59.6%). Total number of days treated per calf (MC = 1.7; CR = 2.0), treatment costs per calf (MC = $10.84; CR = $11.88), and proportion of calves dying (MC = 10.0%; CR = 12.4%) was not different between the 2 colostrum treatment groups. The mean serum total protein concentration predictive of successful passive transfer (serum IgG = 10 mg/mL) was 5.0 g/dL in calves fed MC or CR. Long-term follow-up of these calves (to maturity) is ongoing to describe the effects of feeding CR on longevity, productivity, risk for Johne's disease, and economics.

Short communication: Absorption of protein and immunoglobulin g in calves fed a colostrum replacer

A well-managed colostrum program on farms is the most important step in reducing disease in neonatal calves. In the last few years, colostrum replacers have increased in popularity and are designed to be an alternative to colostrum on farms that have poor colostrum quality, limited colostrum reserves, or to break the cycle of transmission for certain infectious diseases. However, it is important to make sure these products are effective and are capable of providing adequate serum immunoglobulin concentrations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available colostrum replacer product in dairy calves. Holstein calves from a single dairy were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups at birth. Group 1 (n = 21) calves were given 4 quarts of colostrum via esophageal feeder within 3 h of birth and served as the control group for this study. Group 2 (n = 21) received 2 packages of a colostrum replacer product, and group 3 (n = 21) received 3 packages of the colostrum replacer product within 3 h of birth. Blood samples from all calves were collected 24 h after colostrum administration and analyzed for serum total protein and IgG concentrations. Calves fed fresh colostrum had significantly higher serum total protein levels and IgG concentrations compared with calves fed the colostrum replacer product. Calves fed the colostrum replacer also had a significantly higher percentage of calves with failure of passive transfer (serum IgG <1,000 mg/dL). The colostrum replacer product evaluated in this study failed to routinely provide adequate IgG concentrations when fed according to label directions.