The effects of feeding untreated and formic acid-treated colostrum ad libitum on intake and immunoglobulin levels in dairy calves

Abstract

Collings, L. K. M., Proudfoot, K. L. and Veira, D. M. 2011. The effects of feeding untreated and formic acid treated colostrum ad libitum on intake and immunoglobulin levels in dairy calves. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 91: 55–59. Newborn dairy bull calves were fed 4 L of colostrum by esophageal feeder or offered untreated or formic acid-treated colostrum ad libitum for 24 h; effects on intake, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and behavior were measured. The untreated ad libitum group consumed more colostrum (6 vs. 4 L) but had comparable serum IgG levels to the control (27.8 vs. 28.1 mg mL−1). Adding formic acid to colostrum successfully reduced total bacteria and coliform counts; however, it reduced 24 h ad libitum consumption. Formic acid is not a practical preservation agent for colostrum offered ad libitum to newborn calves.