The quality of colostrum and vitality of calves, born from cows with different reaction to stress experiences

O M Chernenko,R A Sanjara,O I Chernenko

doi:10.15421/021747

O M Chernenko, R A Sanjara + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.15421/021747

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Abstract

The article presents the results of studying cortisol concentration and creatine phosphokinase activity in the blood serum of 40 half-sib Ukrainian black and white dairy cows an hour after planned blood extraction, which was a stress experience. We divided the cows into three groups according to the distribution of cortisol concentration in the animals: I – high, II – average and III – low stress resistance. During the research, the cows from these groups were in their fourth month of lactation after their first calving. They were kept untethered in their summer quarters, natural pastures. The aim of the research was to identify the differences in the quality of colostrum, the vitality of the calves up to the age of 6 months, the vitality of the mother-cows, and also the influence of their different adaptation potentials in cases of abortion and stillborn calves among the cows from different groups. At the dairy complex where the research was conducted, the quality of the cows’ colostrum is not monitored. This is typical for most dairy plants of Ukraine. We found that the classes of A and M immunoglobulins did not depend upon which particular groups the animals belonged to, whereas the content of immunoglobulins of class G is 6.7 g/l higher, and the content of total protein is 8.9 g/l higher in the yield of colostrum of the cows from group 1. The influence of cows’ different levels of resistance to stress experiences on their incidence of abortions and stillborn calves was not determined. Gastroenteritis occurred among calves of cows from group 3 three times more often than with those of group 1. Vitality of calves from cows of groups 1 and 2 was significantly higher. Therefore, technological stress experiences of mother-cows have a negative effect upon the quality of colostrum and upon the vitality of calves. This factor ought to be taken into consideration in the exploitation of animals, especially during pregnancy in order to minimise stress and help individuals with less strong nervous systems. Solving the complex problems of increasing the vitality of calves involves in part guaranteeing their provision with colostrum immunity by compulsory control of the colostrum’ quality using a special aerometer (Colostrometer).

Highlights

It is proven that stress decreases immunity (Roth et al, 1985; Frank et al, 1989; Moberg et al, 2000; Salak-Johnson et al, 2006; Carroll et al, 2013)
The aim of this research is to assess the influence of the adaptive potential of cows on their colostrum and the vitality of calves in conditions of industrial farming, where stress experiences occur frequently due to regrouping of animals, changes in technological regimes of maintenance during summer and winter periods, taking the calves from their mothers at early stage, veterinary services, etc
The distribution of animals according to the concentration of cortisol in blood (Fig. 1a) 1 hour after the stress experience did not correspond to the norm

Summary

Introduction

It is proven that stress decreases immunity (Roth et al, 1985; Frank et al, 1989; Moberg et al, 2000; Salak-Johnson et al, 2006; Carroll et al, 2013). Stress which leads to “disruption” of immunity, misbalances the organism with the environment (Hansen et al, 1998; Chernenko, 2015a). This leads to disorders of homeostasis (Friend et al, 1977; Friend et al, 1980). It is well understood (Lefcourt et al, 1982; Borell et al, 2007) that different animals react differently to the same stress factor. Some are able to quickly adapt, whereas others adapt much slower or are unable to overcome the stress The reason for this may be different biological adequacies of the organism, for some animals can be obtained using inbreeding, and others using outbreeding (Hansen et al, 2002). The same stress-factors cause devastating consequences and homeostasis does not regenerate for a long time (Wolfenson et al, 2000)

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