Abstract
Techniques to estimate colostrum quality and the effects of cow age and prepartum supplement intake levels on colostrum quality and serum IgG levels.
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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