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

Creating models for the prediction of colostrum quantity, quality, and Immunoglobulin G yield in multiparous Jersey Cows from performance in the previous lactation and environmental changes

With multiparous Jersey cows, colostrum production seems to be variable. Due to this, we aimed to identify specific variables involved in colostrum production and quality. From 2021 to 2023, data from 28 US farms (415 multiparous Jersey cows) were used to investigate if colostrum yield, immunoglobulin G concentration (IgG, g/L), and IgG yield (g) could be predicted by farm variables and transmitting abilities. With the data collected, multiple regression equations were developed to aid in predicting colostrum yield, IgG concentration, and IgG yield. Colostrum was weighed and sampled for IgG analysis. Dairy Herd Information (DHI), calving, diet, and management information data were compiled. Days below 5°C (D <), d above 23°C (D >), and d between 5 and 23°C (D) were recorded. Transmitting abilities for milk, fat, protein, and dollars; previous lactation milk yield, fat percent, fat yield, protein percent, protein yield, previous lactation somatic cell score, previous lactation d open, previous lactation d dry, previous lactation d in milk, and previous parity; current lactation parity, d dry, and calving information, birth ordinal d, and latitude were evaluated. Colostrum yield, IgG yield, and concentration had 1 added to correct for values = 0. After addition, values >0 were transformed to ln or log10. Non-transformed variables were also used to develop the model. Variance inflation factor analysis was conducted, followed by backward elimination. The log10 colostrum yield model (r2 = 0.55; β in parentheses) included herd size (-0.0001), ordinal d (-0.001), Ln ordinal d (0.07), latitude (-0.02), dry period length (0.004), D < (-0.005), D (-0.003), time to harvest (0.05), Ln time to harvest (-0.35), IgG (-0.004), log10 IgG (0.46), feedings/d (0.06), Ln pasture access (-0.13), and Ln previous lactation d open (0.14). The model showed that previous lactation d open contributed the most toward increasing and latitude contributed the most toward decreasing colostrum yield. The IgG model (r2 = 0.21) included herd size (0.02), D > (0.38), Ln time to harvest (-19.42), colostrum yield (-4.29), Ln diet type (18.00), Ln previous lactation fat percent (74.43), and previous parity (5.72). The model showed that previous lactation milkfat percent contributed the most toward increasing and time from parturition to colostrum harvest contributed the most toward decreasing colostrum IgG concentration. The log10 IgG yield model (r2 = 0.79) included Ln ordinal d (0.03), time to harvest (-0.01), colostrum yield (-0.11), Ln colostrum yield (1.20), Ln pasture access (-0.09), Ln previous lactation fat percent (0.53), and previous parity (0.02). The model showed that colostrum yield contributed the most toward increasing IgG yield, followed by previous lactation milkfat percent. Pasture access contributed the most toward decreasing IgG yield, though the contribution is very small. These models were validated using 39 samples from 22 farms. Actual minus predicted colostrum yield and IgG concentration and yield were 0.89 kg, -21.10 g/L, and -65.15 g respectively. These models indicate that dry period management and cow information can predict colostrum yield, and IgG concentration and yield.

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.

The impact of elective caesarean section on colostrum characteristics in double-muscled Belgian Blue cows

Identification of factors associated with the quality and quantity of colostrum production has always been a major challenge in cattle industry. In purebred double-muscled Belgian Blue (BB) cows, parturition is mainly performed by elective caesarean section (CS; >90%). However, the CS itself may influence colostrum production characteristics. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal and newborn calf factors and the duration of the procedure of CS on the quality and quantity of colostrum production in BB cows. The dataset includes 551 records of cow-calf pairs that were presented for an elective CS at the Ghent University veterinary clinic between 2017 and 2019. The quality (measured via a colostrum densimeter) and the quantity (measured via a standard volume scale) of colostrum were measured within 30 min after the end of the CS. Fixed effects were fitted in mixed linear regression models to test for their potential association with colostrum quality (specific gravity; SG) and quantity (liters), and generalized mixed-effects models were constructed to test the associations of fixed effects with the optimal colostrum production index (yes vs no) based on an adequate supply of both colostrum quality and quantity. The fixed effects tested were parity, the gender of the calf, birth weight, duration of CS (min), and season of birth. Our results show that parity (primiparity), duration of CS (longer CS), and calving season (summer) had a significantly negative impact on colostrum production. Concluding, both colostrum quality and quantity can be influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors (including duration of CS), which should be considered while feeding newborn calves delivered via CS.

Calf management risk factors on dairy farms associated with male calf mortality on veal farms

The objective of this cross-sectional herd-level study was to assess the association of calf management practices on source dairy farms with mortality risk on veal farms. From April to October 2016, 52 source dairy farms supplying male calves to 2 veal operations were visited once. A questionnaire was administered that covered all areas of calf management, calves between 1 and 10 d of age were examined using a standardized health scoring system, and blood was taken to evaluate passive transfer of immunoglobulins. The mortality risk for calves from each dairy farm was calculated based on the number of male calves sold from the dairy farm and that died during 2016 at the veal operations. The mean mortality risk was calculated for both veal farms and, based on the veal facility-adjusted mortality risk, dairy farms were classified as high- or low-mortality source farms. Using the information gathered at the 52 source dairy farms, a logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with being a high-mortality source farm. Suppliers to veal farm 1 had a mean mortality risk of 9.6% and suppliers to veal farm 2 had a mean mortality risk of 4.2%. The lower mortality risk at veal farm 2 was partially influenced by a shorter period of observation. Of the 182 calves examined during the single visit to the source dairy farms, 41% of male calves and 29% of female calves had at least one identifiable health abnormality. The risk of failure of passive transfer on source dairy farms was low, with only 13% of calves tested having <10 mg of IgG/mL of serum. The subset of calves examined at the source dairy farm was not followed prospectively to the veal farms. Using a tube feeder or pail to feed colostrum, bedding male calves on wood shavings or chopped straw at the source dairy farm, and the herd veterinarian not routinely and actively inquiring about the health and performance of calves during regular herd visits were significantly associated with the farm being classified as a high-mortality source dairy farm. Checking the calving pen at an interval of every 3 h or more during the day was associated with a lower probability of being classified as a high-mortality source dairy farm. The results of this study suggest that there are management practices on the source farm that contribute to the risk of mortality on veal farms.

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.

Predicting colostrum quality from performance in the previous lactation and environmental changes

Nine New Hampshire Holstein dairies contributed to a study to investigate if colostrum quality could be predicted by cow performance in the previous lactation and by environmental factors during the 21-d prepartum period. The numbers of days below 5°C (D<), days above 23°C (D>), and days between 5 and 23°C (D) were used in the development of the regression equation. Between 2011 and 2014, 111 colostrum samples were obtained and analyzed for IgG. Producers recorded cow identification number, calf date of birth, sex of the calf, colostrum yield, hours from parturition to colostrum harvest, and weeks on pasture during the dry period (if any). Dairy Herd Improvement data from each cow and weather data were compiled for analysis. Information accessed was predicted transmitting abilities for milk, fat (PTAF), protein (PTAP), and dollars; previous lactation: milk yield, fat yield, fat percent, protein percent, protein yield, somatic cell score, days open, days dry, days in milk, and previous parity (PAR). Colostrum yield was negatively correlated with IgG concentration (r=-0.42) and D (r=-0.2). It was positively correlated with D> (r=0.30), predicted transmitting ability for milk (r=0.26), PTAF (r=0.21), and PTAP (r=0.22). Immunoglobulin G concentration (g/L) was positively correlated with days in milk (r=0.21), milk yield (r=0.30), fat yield (r=0.34), protein yield (r=0.26), days open (r=0.21), PAR (r=0.22), and tended to be positively correlated with DD (r=0.17). Immunoglobulin G concentration (g/L) was negatively correlated with D> (r=-0.24) and PTAF (r=-0.21) and tended to be negatively correlated with PTAP (r=-0.18). To determine the best fit, values >0 were transformed to natural logarithm. All nontransformed variables were also used to develop the model. A variance inflation factor analysis was conducted, followed by a backward elimination procedure. The resulting regression model indicated that changes in Ln fat yield (β=2.29), Ln fat percent (β=2.15), Ln protein yield (β=-2.25), and Ln protein percent (β=2.1) had largest effect on LnIgG. This model was validated using 27 colostrum samples from 9 different farms not used in the model. The difference between means for actual and predicted colostrum quality (IgG, g/L) was 13.6g/L. Previous lactation DHI data and weather data can be used to predict the IgG concentration of colostrum.

Evaluation of digital and optical refractometers for assessing failure of transfer of passive immunity in dairy calves

Background

Failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) is the underlying predisposing risk factor for most early losses in dairy calves. Refractometers, either optical or digital, can be used to assess FTPI as a part of calf health monitoring program on dairy operations.

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of and differences between digital Brix and optical refractometers for assessing FTPI in dairy calves.

Animals

Two hundred Holstein calves from 1 to 11 days of age.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was designed to measure serum IgG concentration by radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay, digital Brix and optical refractometers. The correlation coefficients (r) between the 2 refractometers were plotted against each other and against the measured IgG concentration from RID. The Se, Sp, and accuracy of digital Brix and optical refractometers for assessing FTPI using previously recommended cut‐offs were calculated. A receiver operating characteristic curve was created and used to identify the optimal cut‐off for this dataset.

Results

The RID IgG concentration was positively correlated with digital Brix (r = 0.79) and optical (r = 0.74) refractometers. The best combination of Se (85.5%), Sp (82.8%), and accuracy (83.5%) of digital Brix refractometer was at 8.3%Brix. For optical refractometer, the best combination of Se (80%), Sp (80.7%), and accuracy (80.5%) was at 5.5 g/dL.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Both refractometers exhibited utility in assessing FTPI in dairy calves.

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.

Evaluation of a commercial bovine colostrum replacer for achieving passive transfer of immunity in springbok calves (Antidorcas marsupialis)

Failure of passive transfer (FPT) occurs in ruminant species when there is inadequate absorption of immunoglobulins from the colostrum. In zoologic establishments, FPT can be a common occurrence in hand-raised ruminant neonates fed insufficient amounts of colostrum replacer (CR) and/or poor-quality CR. The goals of this study were to investigate the efficacy of a commercial bovine CR at achieving adequate passive transfer of immunity and evaluate tests to assess FPT in nondomestic ruminant species. In the past several years, research in dairy calves has shown that passive transfer rates can be dramatically improved if the CR dose is doubled. The treatment group (n = 10) consisted of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) calves fed Land O'Lakes bovine commercial CR at a dose of > or = 4.68 g of immunoglobulin G (22 g of CR powder) per kilogram of animal's body weight divided into five feedings over 24 hr. The control group (n=7) consisted of calves that nursed from their dams. This study reported no significant difference between the proportion of calves with adequate passive transfer in the treatment (80%) and control (71%) groups (P= 1.00). Morbidity and mortality rates until weaning were 0% in both groups. The study also determined the sensitivity and specificity values (n = 37) for five serum tests (y-glutamyl-transferase [GGT], globulin, glutaraldehyde coagulation [GC], sodium sulfite turbidity test, and total protein) used to determine passive transfer status in springbok calves. This study recommends the following serum tests and cutoff ranges for determining FPT in springbok calves: globulin < or = 1.85 mg/dl, GGT < or = 228.5 IU/ L, and GC > or = 28 min.

Short communication: addition of sodium bicarbonate to maternal colostrum: effects on immunoglobulin G absorption and hematocrit in neonatal calves

Twenty-six Holstein bull calves born from primiparous and multiparous cows without dystocia were assigned in a randomized complete block design to 1 of 2 treatments: pooled maternal colostrum (PMC) or PMC supplemented with 30 g of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)). Calves were fed PMC from 9 different batches containing (mean ± SD) 82.05±8.45 g/L of IgG. Calves were fed 2.68 L of PMC at birth (referred to as 0 h) and 1.32 L of PMC 6h later. The total amount of IgG fed was 329.89±34.56 g. Calves were fed 2L of milk replacer at 24, 36, and 48 h postpartum. The addition of NaHCO(3) had no effect on IgG absorption. Serum IgG concentrations at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postpartum were not different between calves supplemented with or without 30 g of NaHCO(3) to colostrum. Area under the curve, apparent efficiency of absorption, and hematocrit were not affected by the NaHCO(3) treatment.

Short communication: Addition of varying amounts of sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer: effects on immunoglobulin G absorption and serum bicarbonate in neonatal calves

Fifty-two dairy calves were blocked by birth date and, within each block, randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments to investigate the effects of incremental levels of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)) on IgG metabolism. Treatments were (1) colostrum replacer (CR)+0 g of NaHCO(3) (control); (2) CR+15 g of NaHCO(3); (3) CR+30 g of NaHCO(3); or (4) CR+45 g of NaHCO(3). Calves were fed colostrum replacer (>200 g of IgG) in one feeding within 45 min of birth (0 h) and 2 L of milk replacer at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Only calves born in calving pens from multiparous cows with no dystocia were used in this study. Blood samples were taken at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postpartum, and serum was analyzed for IgG using radial immunoassay and bicarbonate using spectrophotometry. Feeding increasing levels of sodium bicarbonate had negative linear effects on IgG concentration, IgG apparent efficiency of absorption, and IgG area under the curve, primarily due to the effect of the highest dose of NaHCO(3) (45 g). Sodium bicarbonate treatments had no effect on serum bicarbonate concentration. However, area under the curve of serum bicarbonate increased linearly with the amount of NaHCO(3) fed.

Calf health from birth to weaning. I. General aspects of disease prevention

Calfhood diseases have a major impact on the economic viability of cattle operations. This is the first in a three part review series on calf health from birth to weaning, focusing on preventive measures. The review considers both pre- and periparturient management factors influencing calf health, colostrum management in beef and dairy calves and further nutrition and weaning in dairy calves.

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.

Biosecurity and risk management for dairy replacements

Biosecurity, biocontainment, and disease risk management on dairy replacement operations are time- and labor-intensive, planned programs. Oftentimes the value of these programs is realized only after disease is introduced to a facility or a disease outbreak occurs. There is no “one-plan-fits-all;” each plan must be tailored to meet the needs of management's goals and expectations and problems specific to a production enterprise or geographic region. A standard framework applicable to biosecurity programs includes: (1) hazard identification, (2) exposure assessment, (3) risk characterization, and (4) risk management. The discussion presented here helps lay the framework for development and implementation of biosecurity and risk-management programs within dairy replacement facilities.

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.