Abstract
This study evaluated cow age and supplement intake level during gestation on the quality of colostrum at calving, cow serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels at parturition, and serum IgG levels of the calf 3-days post-partum using two refractometer methods. Forty-five multiparous Angus cows were selected from a contemporary group of 300 cows that were winter grazing northern mixed grass prairie rangelands with free choice protein supplement. Specifically, 15 first service bred cows were selected for each of the following winter grazing supplement intake treatment groups: 1) low supplement intake (> -0.75 SD); 2) average supplement intake (± 0.50 SD); 3) high supplement intake (> +0.75 SD). Supplement intakes were measured using a SmartFeed Pro self-feeder system with 8 feeding units. Measurements were obtained from day 164 to 215 of gestation. Cows were further divided by age comparing young (4, 5, and 6 yr) to old (7, 8 and 9 yr). The results of this study suggest that cow age did not interact with supplement intake for colostrum or blood serum measurements (P ≥ 0.29). In addition, cow age and supplement intake did not influence colostrum Brix %, calf serum total protein, or cow serum total protein taken at birth (P ≥ 0.14). The optical refractometer was found to be a good alternative to the more expensive digital refractometer (P < 0.01; R = .96). In summary, cow age and supplement intake levels of mature cows during the mid to late stages of gestation did not influence colostrum quality at birth.
Highlights
In cattle, colostrum is the primary source of nutrients and immunity for the newborn calf, ingestion of sufficient quality and quantity of colostrum following birth is essential for the future health and performance of the newly born calf (Rauprich et al, 2000)
Beef cattle age and supplement intake level did not interact with colostrum % Brix, nor cow and calf serum total protein (P ≥ 0.29)
There were no differences observed between supplement intake levels and estimated colostrum quality as measured using a digital refractometer (P = 0.35; Table 3)
Summary
Colostrum is the primary source of nutrients and immunity for the newborn calf, ingestion of sufficient quality and quantity of colostrum following birth is essential for the future health and performance of the newly born calf (Rauprich et al, 2000). Calves have limited immune function because there is no transfer of immunoglobulin across the placenta from the dam to the fetus (Larson et al, 1980). This means that newborn calves must acquire passive immunity through the consumption of colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG). A colostrum % Brix value of > 22 is considered to contain adequate IgG to support effective passive transfer insuring the future health and production of the calf (Elsohaby et al, 2015)
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