Abstract
Simple SummaryColostrum management plays an essential role in calf husbandry and strongly influences the calf. The immunoglobulin concentration denominates the quality of the colostrum, which is influenced by numerous factors. Therefore, the measurement of the immunoglobulin concentration is important. This review provides an overview of measurement methods for estimating the immunoglobulin concentration in bovine colostrum. In addition, influencing factors are identified and their impact on the immunoglobulin concentration is discussed. Radial immunodiffusion and the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay are the most commonly used direct measurement methods. A refractometer and a colostrometer are practical indirect on-farm instruments that can be used to estimate the immunoglobulin concentration. External characteristics such as viscosity or color allow for an initial assessment but are too inaccurate. Animal-related factors such as colostrum yield, parity, and breed influence the immunoglobulin concentration. In addition, environmental factors are also important. The duration between birth and first feeding postpartum is important for the supply of colostrum with a sufficient immunoglobulin concentration. The influence of treatment methods such as freezing and thawing, on the other hand, depends strongly on the procedure and does not necessarily lead to a reduction in the immunoglobulin concentration. The influencing factors are complex and newer ones, such as genetics, have not yet been sufficiently investigated.The immunoglobulin concentration in bovine colostrum should be measured to ensure feeding with sufficient immunoglobulins (≥50 mg immunoglobulin G mL−1). Adequate feeding prevents diseases, promotes development, and has a positive influence on the adult animal. Indirect and direct measurement methods are available for this purpose. Direct measurement methods cannot be easily used in practice; therefore, farmers use indirect methods such as a colostrometer and a refractometer. Many factors influence the immunoglobulin concentration of colostrum; some of them have already been intensively researched. In particular, lactation and temporal aspects play an essential role. Newer aspects such as dry period, seasonal influences, and genetics are gaining importance, but their impact on immunoglobulin content has not been sufficiently investigated. Developments are still needed, especially in data management. This review analyzes the outcome of different studies on the indirect and direct measurement methods and discusses different factors influencing the immunoglobulin concentration of bovine colostrum.
Highlights
An adequate and timely supply of colostrum, within the first hours after birth, is essential for newborn calves and their later development [1,2]
Another study investigated the potential of transmission infrared (TIR) spectroscopy to determine immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration in colostrum from dairy and beef cows
The correlation between the IgG concentration measured with Radial immunodiffusion (RID) and glucose concentration measured via glucometer (STIGAFIELD ) is r = 0.7 for dairy colostrum and r = 0.94 for beef colostrum
Summary
An adequate and timely supply of colostrum, within the first hours after birth, is essential for newborn calves and their later development [1,2]. A high Ig. Animals 2021, 11, 3587 concentration in the colostrum does not automatically lead to a high Ig concentration in the calf’s serum; different factors influence the absorption of Ig [26,27], but these will not be discussed in this review. This article reviews the indirect and direct measurement methods to define the Ig concentration in colostrum. It compares the techniques in terms of their application under practical conditions and derives possible uses and development needs. The positive and negative aspects of the direct and indirect measurement methods, and the factors influencing the Ig concentration in colostrum, are discussed
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