Colostrum Supplementation as an Aid for Improving Health and Growth Performance of Preweaned Holstein Dairy Calves

Abstract

The adjective of this study was to determine the effect of partial replacement of whole milk with second- and third-milking colostrum on the health status and growth performance of preweaned Holstein dairy calves. A minimum of 110 calves of 2 - 3 days old Holstein Friesian calves were enrolled and randomly allocated to two treatment groups 1) CS—colostrum supplement group and 2) UC—unsupplemented control group. The CS group of calves received pooled second and third milking colostrum with Brix reading between 19 and 24% (mean 21.8% ± 1.75%) as colostrum supplement (one liter mixed with 3 L of whole milk), and UC group of calves received 4 L of whole milk in each of the 2 daily meals for 14 days. Serum IgG levels were determined to evaluate passive transfer of immunity. Milk and grain consumption was recorded for 28 days by research personnel. All calves were weighted at entry of the trial, at 28 days and at weaning (65 days). Calves receiving supplemental colostrum had less diarrhea and respiratory disease than control calves. Also, the results indicated that health problems were associated with low serum IgG levels and low-weight calves. Grain consumption and average daily gain (ADG) over 28 days of life were greater in CS group of calves compared with UC group of calves. Colostrum supplementation during the first 14 days of life in calves was effective in reading diarrheal and bovine respiratory diseases and in the use of antimicrobials. Further studies are needed to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in beneficial effects of colostrum supplementation on calf growth and health.