Relationship between electrical conductivity and colostrum quality in farm level

Abstract

Good quality colostrum intake is essential component in calf health programs. There are different methods to determine the quality of colostrum. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between Immunoglobulin G (IgG), which is used to determine colostrum quality, and electrical conductivity in farm level. Two groups were performed according to results of IgG analyses. Samples which had <50 mg/mL IgG concentration were assigned into group 1 (G1, n=27) and accepted as insufficient quality colostrum. Samples that had >50 mg/mL IgG concentration were accepted as good quality colostrum and assigned into group 2 (G2, n=68). IgG concentrations were measured by ELISA, then the electrical resistance (ER) and conductivity (EC) measured by Draminski Mastitis Detector (MDQ4, MDQ). MDQ and ER results were statistically higher in G2, and EC results were statistically higher in G1, but difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05) in G1, there was moderate positive correlation between IgG and ER, EC and MDQ (P<0.01). Presented study revealed strong correlation between EC and IgG concentration in low-quality colostrum. There are lots of variables that effect conductivity and resistance of colostrum, so to eliminate uncertainties of use of MDQ further research must be done. Moreover, MDQ readings show considerable potential for being useful tools in colostrum management systems to improve calf health in dairy farms.