Maternal Impact on Serum Immunoglobulin and Total Protein Concentration in Dairy Calves.

Abstract

Simple SummaryEnsuring adequate passive transfer of immunoglobulins is of particular importance for calf health status and longtime productivity. This observational field study focused on the influence of the prepartum cow’s health status on immunoglobulin transfer, with special emphasis on metabolic health, taking relevant management factors into account. Increased serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids in dams were positively associated with increased serum immunoglobulin concentrations in their calves. In addition to well-established management practices, such as feeding more than 2 L of colostrum at the first feeding of calves within four hours and with high-quality maternal colostrum, whole-day birth monitoring was positively related to immunoglobulin transfer. Our results provide evidence that, in addition to newborn management, prepartum energy metabolism in cows influences immunoglobulin transfer and also highlight the importance of health monitoring of close-up cows, as well as the importance of whole-day birth monitoring, to ensure calf health by timely colostrum supply and minimizing the risk of dystocia.For dairy calves, sufficient supply with high-quality maternal colostrum is crucial to achieve adequate passive transfer of immunoglobulins. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to determine the influence of the prepartum metabolic status of dams on the serum immunoglobulin and total protein concentrations of their dairy calves, taking other relevant management factors into account. A total of 551 cows and their calves from 124 German dairy farms were included. Blood and urine samples of the cows were sampled 1 to 3 weeks before the expected calving date. Two generalized linear mixed effects regression models were fitted to the data. An increase in a dam’s prepartum serum non-esterified fatty acids concentration was associated with greater serum immunoglobulin concentration in her calf. Calves of herds with established birth monitoring at night showed greater serum immunoglobulin and total protein concentrations. Calves being fed more than 2 L of colostrum and higher Brix values for colostrum were related to greater serum immunoglobulin and total protein concentrations in calves. In conclusion, there is evidence that, besides timely and sufficient supply of high-quality colostrum to new-born calves, the prepartum metabolic status of cows and birth monitoring impact the passive transfer of immunoglobulins.