Colostrum Replacer Research Articles

Nutraceutical intervention with colostrum replacer: Can we reduce disease hazard, ameliorate disease severity, and improve performance in preweaned dairy calves?

The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to determine if an intervention with colostrum replacer (CR; Premolac Plus, Zinpro; 125 g/d fed for 3 d) or a placebo milk replacer (Cows Match, Land O'Lakes Inc.; 125 g/d for 3 d) following a triggered alarm could ameliorate disease bouts in dairy calves. The alarm was set to detect negative deviations of milk intake (20% reduction) or drinking speed (30% reduction) in relation to a calf's 12-d rolling average feeding behavior. Calves were enrolled on this study (n = 42 CR, n = 42 placebo) when they triggered an alarm from d 14 to 50 on the feeder before weaning. Once calves were enrolled, calves received a bottle of either 125 g of CR or milk replacer mixed with 1 L of water for 3 d. Calves were enrolled on the automated milk feeder at age 4.0 ± 2.0 d (mean ± SD), were offered 10 L/d of the same milk replacer fed as a placebo, and had ad libitum access to calf starter measured by automated feeders. Weaning began at d 50, with 50% reduction of milk replacer across 14 d, and an additional 20% reduction for another 7 d before weaning at d 70. Calves were health scored from birth to 2 wk postweaning (88 ± 2.0 d of age) daily for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and diarrhea, and were weighed and scored using lung ultrasonography twice weekly. A BRD score ≥5 and an area of consolidated lung ≥3.0 cm2 was considered BRD positive; diarrhea was defined as a watery fecal consistency that sifted through the bedding. The effect of CR on BRD and diarrhea likelihood were calculated with logistic models; the 7 d before and after an alarm were fixed effects, with milk intake as a covariate. A Cox proportional hazards model evaluated the effect of CR on the hazard of being positive for BRD and diarrhea following enrollment, with sex as a fixed effect in the diarrhea model. The effect of CR on average daily gain the week following intervention was evaluated with linear modeling with repeated measures, and birth date was a random effect. After intervention, placebo calves had 1.64 (95% CI: 1.11-2.43) times greater odds of having a BRD bout compared with CR calves for the 7 d following intervention. Moreover, placebo calves had 1.50 (95% CI: 1.11-2.08) times greater odds of having lobar lung consolidation in the 7 d after intervention than CR calves. No difference was found in the likelihood of diarrhea in the 7 d after intervention (odds ratio: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.71-1.16). However, placebo calves had a 2.38 (95% CI: 1.30-4.33) times greater hazard of incurring BRD in the 14 d after intervention. Average daily gain was not associated with an intervention with CR for the 7 d after intervention (placebo: 0.73 ± 0.07 kg/d; CR: 0.70 ± 0.08 kg/d; LSM ± SEM). These results suggest CR may reduce BRD likelihood but did not influence growth in calves offered high allowances of milk. Future research should examine which properties of CR ameliorate BRD in calves.

Effect of prebiotic and probiotic supplements to increase live weight of calves in the diet

Article Details: Received: 2020-11-04 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.164-167 Probiotics and prebiotics are effective to modulate optimal conditions in gastrointestinal tract inhabited by diverse microbial population. Probiotics regulate and modulate gut microbial population thus reducing the risk of diarrhea. Positive effect on growth is confirmed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic ( Lactobacillus sporogenes ) and prebiotic ( Ascophyllum nodosum ) supplements on weight gain in calves. Forty new-born Holstein calves were randomised to control and experimental group. In the experimental group, Lactobacillus sporogenes and Ascophyllum nodosum were added first to colostrum and then to milk replacer, calves in the control group were fed with colostrum and milk replacer only. The weight gains of animals were found out during the whole experiment. Evidence of animal health and diarrhea was monitored. In the end of experiment, the body weight gains in experimental calves were by 14,4% higher compared to control but without statistical significance (P>0,05). Probiotic and prebiotic treatment tended to diminish diarrhea. The health benefits of monitored treatment were noticed in experimental group. Keywords: calf, dietary supplements, nutrition, health References Blum, J. W. (2006). Nutritional physiology of neonatal calves. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition , 90(1-2), 1-11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2005.00614.x Cangiano, T. T. et al. (2020). Invited Review: Strategic use of microbial-based probiotics and prebiotics in dairy calf rearing. Applied Animal Science , 36(5), 630-651. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2020-02049 Frizzo, L. S. etbal. (2010). Lactic acid bacteria to improve growth performance in young calves fed milk replacer and spray-dried whey powder. Animal Feed Science and Technology , 157(3-4), 159-167. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2010.03.005 Gaggia, F. et al. (2010). Probiotics and prebiotics in animal feeding for safe food production. International Journal of Food Microbiology , 141(6), 15-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2010.02.031 Cho, Y. I. and Yoon, K. J. (2014). An overview of calf diarrhea - infectious etiology, diagnosis, and intervention. Journal of Veterinary Science, 15(1), 1-17. DOI: https:// doi:10.4142/jvs.2014.15.1.1 Morrell, E. L. et al. (2008). Retrospective study of bovine neonatal mortality: Cases reported from INTA Balcarce. Argentina Revista Argentina de Microbiologia , 40(3), 151-157. DOI: https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/2130/213016785003.pdf Niggemman, B. (2006). Does unconventional medicine work through conventional modes of action. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology , 118(3), 569-573. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2006.06.021 Raabis, S. et al. (2019). Effects and immune responses of probiotic treatment in ruminants. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology , 208, 58-66. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.12.006 Rastall, R. and Maitin V. (2002). Prebiotics and synbiotics : towards the next generation. Current Opinion in Biotechnology , 5, 490-496. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0958-1669(02)00365-8 Renaud, D. L. et al. (2019). Evaluation of a multispecies probiotic as a supportive treatment for diarrhea in dairy calves: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Dairy Science , 102(5), 4498-4505. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-15793 Sanei, M. et al. (2012). Effects of hormone or mineral–vitamin enriched colostrum on performance and weaning age of Holstein calves. Livestock Science , 149(1-2),190-194. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2012.07.007 Soccol, C.R., et al. (2010). 'The Potential of Probiotics: A Review'. Food Technology and Biotechnology , 48(4), 413-434. DOI: https://hrcak.srce.hr/61713 Timmerman, H. M. et al. (2005). Health and growth of veal calves fed milk replacers with or without probiotics. Journal of Dairy Science , 88(6), 2154-2165. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(05)72891-5 Uyeno, Y. et al. (2015). Effect of Probiotics/Prebiotics on Cattle Health and Productivity. Microbes Environment . 30(2), 126-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1264/jsme2.ME14176 Veir, J. K. et al. (2007). Effect of supplementation with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) on immune functions in cats. Veterinary Therapeutics , 8(4) , 229-238. DOI: https://europepmc.org/article/med/18183541 Vrese, M. and Schvezenmeir, J. (2008). Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Symbiotics. Advances in Biochemical Engineering / Biotechnology , 111(1), 1-66. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/10_2008_097 Zhang, R. et al. (2016). Effect of oral administration of probiotics on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and stress-related indicators in Holstein calves. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition , 100(1), 33-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.12338

Effect of immunized egg proteins on the performance and neonatal diarrhoea incidence in newborn calves.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of feeding immunized egg proteins (IEP) on the health and performance of newborn dairy calves. Sixty‐four Holstein calves, both male and female, were divided over two treatments. Calves either received IEP or a placebo (PCB) in their colostrum and calf milk replacer (CMR) for the first 14 days of their life. Until day 49, CMR was offered at 15% of birth weight (BW), at 10% on days 49–57 and at 5% on days 57–63. In addition, calves received starter concentrate, chopped straw and water from 3 days old until 70 days old at the end of study. Individual CMR and concentrate intake were measured daily whilst BW was recorded weekly. Visual faecal scoring and health observations were conducted daily. Faecal samples were collected weekly up to 4 weeks and during the first 4 days of scouring to screen for presence of Cryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus, coronavirus, E. coli and Salmonella. Results indicated that feeding IEP increased BW (p < .05) at 42 and 56 days old, and BW also tended (p = .06) to be higher after weaning at 63–70 days old compared to the PCB group. When analysed using a repeated measures model, compared to feeding PCB, feeding IEP increased total concentrate consumption (p = .001) by 3.6kg/calf. Over the entire study, daily water intake was higher (p = .002) for the IEP group when compared with the PCB group. In the IEP group, 12 calves were scored as scouring whereas there were 14 calves in the PCB group. There were no significant differences between treatments in faecal pathogen load of neither healthy nor scouring calves. In conclusion, supplementing IEP during the first 14 days of calf life improved the performance of newborn calves. Further work is warranted to understand the mode of action of IEP in calves.

Hot topic: Accuracy of refractometry as an indirect method to measure failed transfer of passive immunity in dairy calves fed colostrum replacer and maternal colostrum

Serum total protein (STP) refractometry is a widely used indicator of failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI), defined as serum IgG concentrations of <10 mg/mL or STP levels <5.2 g/dL measured at 24 h of life. However, recent reports have demonstrated that refractometry could be inaccurate at estimating serum IgG concentrations and FTPI when calves are fed colostrum replacer (CR). The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of STP measurements to estimate FTPI in calves fed CR compared with calves fed maternal colostrum. Blood was collected from dairy calves fed maternal colostrum (n = 927) or colostrum-derived CR (n = 1,258) and analyzed for STP and serum IgG. Serum total protein was measured with a digital refractometer, whereas radial immunodiffusion was used to determine IgG concentrations. Calves fed maternal colostrum had a mean STP of 5.80 ± 0.72 (standard deviation) g/dL and a mean IgG concentration of 22.81 ± 10.14 mg/mL, respectively, whereas calves fed CR had a mean STP and IgG concentration of 5.14 ± 0.50 g/dL and 12.78 ± 4.60 mg/mL, respectively. Rates of FTPI for calves fed maternal colostrum or CR were 4.2% and 27.26%, respectively. Calves were considered to have FTPI if their IgG postcolostrum feeding was <10 mg/mL. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to determine cutoff points and existent relationships between STP and IgG. Serum total protein and IgG for calves fed maternal colostrum were highly correlated. In contrast, STP and IgG for calves fed CR were lowly correlated. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that an STP cutoff point that could predict FTPI when calves are fed CR would be 4.9 g/dL (sensitivity = 0.68; specificity = 0.75). This study suggests that current cutoff points used for STP inflates the number of calves estimated to have FTPI when they are fed CR.

PSVI-21 Evaluation of passive immunity transfer and performance of calves receiving different sources of immunoglobulins

Abstract The efficiency in the passive immunity transfer (PIT) is directly associated with the production cost and productivity of the animals. When fresh maternal colostrum (FC) is not available, frozen colostrum or colostrum replacer (CR) are alternatives to avoid failures in PIT (FPIT). Thirty-nine Holstein calves were used in a randomized block design with gender, weight and date of birth as blocking effect, and distributed in treatments: 1) feeding of 10% BW of CF; 2) feeding of 10% BW of FC; 3) 1.5 dose of a CR (SCCL®, Saskatoon, Canada). Animals received 6L/d of milk until 56d of life when they were subjected to gradual weaning until the end of the study (63d). Feed intake and health was monitored daily, and weight and blood samples were weekly taken. The Brix value at 24h of life was higher in animals receiving maternal colostrum when compared to CR (FC: 9.52a; Frozen: 10.68a; CR: 8.23b; P &amp;lt; 0.01). The immunoglobulins intake was higher (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for calves fed with maternal colostrum (FC or Frozen), which may explain the differences observed in the apparent efficiency of absorption (P = 0.02). The colostrum protocols affected the serum IgG concentration assessed at 24h (FC: 26.65b; Frozen: 35.69a; CR: 16.93c; P &amp;lt; 0.01); however, no treatment resulted in FPIT, with values of serum IgG above 10g/L. Starter intake increased during the milk-feeding period (P &amp;lt; 0.01), with no effects of colostrum feeding. ADG was influenced by treatments (P = 0.01), with higher gains for calves fed FC, resulting in higher final BW (P = 0.04). During the milk-feeding period, plasma glucose and total serum protein were higher for FC than for CR calves, with no differences for calves fed frozen colostrum. Feeding FC resulted in heavier animals at weaning; however, the frozen colostrum and CR used in this study are adequate alternatives, with no FTIP observed.

The effect of meloxicam on neonatal dairy calves: Immunoglobulin G uptake and preweaning performance

Objectives of this study were to determine effects of meloxicam administered in 2 forms on IgG uptake, growth, and health of preweaned calves. Sixteen Holstein bulls and 14 heifers with a body weight (BW) of 44.3 ± 5.24 kg were blocked by birth date in a randomized complete block design. Calves were removed from the dam before suckling, weighed, and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) colostrum replacer (CR) at 0 h with no meloxicam (control; CON), (2) 1 mg/kg of BW of meloxicam in pill form before CR (PL), or (3) 1 mg/kg of BW of meloxicam mixed in solution with CR (SL). Calves were fed 675 g of dry matter of CR, providing a volume of 3 L and 180 g of IgG. Blood samples were collected at 0 h to analyze initial IgG and ketone concentrations, and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 h to analyze IgG uptake. At 24 h, calves were fed 432 g of dry matter of 24% crude protein milk replacer (MR) split in 2 feedings, and free choice starter and water until 42 d. Weekly blood samples were analyzed for glucose, plasma urea nitrogen, and ketone concentrations. Time of consumption of MR, BW, length, hip and withers height, and heart girth were recorded weekly. All calves achieved adequate transfer of immunity. Meloxicam did not affect apparent efficiency of absorption, serum total protein, or IgG uptake at 6, 18, and 24 h; however, meloxicam-treated calves had lesser IgG concentrations at 12 h (24.40 and 22.59 g/L for PL and SL, respectively) compared with CON (28.47 g/L). Meloxicam treatment did not affect BW. Calves that received PL tended to gain length at a faster rate (0.24 cm/d) than those that received SL (0.19 cm/d). Meloxicam treatment did not affect MR intake, time of consumption of MR, total dry matter intake, or feed efficiency. Meloxicam-treated calves tended to consume more starter (560.4 and 515.4 g/d for PL and SL, respectively) than those that received CON (452.6 g/d). Ketone levels tended to be greater in meloxicam-treated calves (0.15 and 0.17 mmol/L for PL and SL, respectively), suggesting improved rumen development compared with those that received CON (0.12 mmol/L). Meloxicam treatment did not affect plasma urea nitrogen . Glucose concentrations of calves that received PL (73.2 mg/dL) were less than those that received SL (83.3 mg/dL). Results of this study suggest that meloxicam given at 0 h offers positive effects on starter intake, and possibly rumen development, of preweaned dairy calves. Treatment PL, as compared with SL, offered positive results for rumen development, indicated by lower blood glucose levels.

Evaluation of lamb colostrum supplements

IntroductionHalf of UK lamb mortality occurs within the first 24 hours of life, with newborn lambs requiring adequate intake of colostrum as soon as possible after birth to combat disease...

Short communication: Effects of transition milk and milk replacer supplemented with colostrum replacer on growth and health of dairy calves

Transition milk (TM, defined here as the second through fourth milkings after calving) supplies additional fat, protein, and immunoglobulins to the calf compared with milk replacer at industry-suggested feeding rates (∼14% solids). Our objective was to determine whether 9 feedings of TM on d 2 through 4 of life increase the growth rate and overall health of calves. Holstein heifer calves on a commercial farm were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 diets (n = 35/diet): milk replacer (MR; Purina Warm Front BOV MOS Medicated Milk Replacer, St. Louis, MO), TM, or a 50:50 blend of MR and colostrum replacer (MCR; Alta HiCal Colostrum Powder Replacer, the Saskatoon Colostrum Company Ltd., Saskatoon, SK, Canada). The TM was harvested from Holstein cows on the farm, pooled, and pasteurized at 71.7°C for 15 s. Nutrient composition on a dry matter basis of TM was 25.9% fat, 41.8% protein, and 14% solids; MR was 10.3% fat, 27.8% protein, and 14% solids; and MCR was 14.6% fat, 38.6% protein, and 15% solids. All calves received IgG-enriched colostrum replacer for the first 2 feedings after birth. Subsequently, calves were fed 1.9 L of MR, TM, or MCR 3 times per day for 3 d (starting on d 2). After initial diets ended, calves were fed and managed similarly. Body weights (d 1, 7, 14, 21, and 56), blood samples (d 1, 7, 14, and 21), and daily health scores (scale of 0 to 3, with 0 representing normal or healthy and 3 representing severe symptoms or ill) were collected through weaning at 56 d. All except 1 calf achieved successful transfer of passive immunity, with serum IgG values greater than 10.0 mg/mL. From birth through weaning, calves fed TM and MCR gained 3 kg more total body weight than those fed MR (34.3, 34.3, and 31.3 kg, respectively). Increased metabolizable energy (using NRC 2001 recommendations) in TM accounts for 0.68 kg of the increased gain compared with MR. Treatment did not alter health scores for ears, eyes, or feces. Haptoglobin concentrations were lower in TM and MCR than in MR calves (4.63, 3.62, and 7.54 µg/mL, respectively), whereas lipopolysaccharide binding protein concentrations were not different. In conclusion, compared with MR alone, feeding TM or MR with colostrum replacer for 3 d increased growth rate of calves throughout the preweaning period.

Early supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 in newborn dairy calves increases IgA production in the intestine at 1 week of age

The early development of immunity and microbiota in the gut of newborn calves can have life-long consequences. Gut microbiota and the intestinal barrier interplay after birth, establishing a homeostatic state whereby mucosal cells cohabit with microorganisms to develop a healthy gut. We hypothesized that postnatal codevelopment of gut immunity and microbiota could be influenced by early-life supplementation with live yeast. Starting from birth, calves either received a daily supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 (SCB, 10 × 109 cfu/d, n = 10) in the morning meal for 7 d or no supplementation (n = 10). Each animal received 2 adequate colostrum replacer meals at 2 and 12 h of life (expected total IgG fed = 300 g) before being fed milk replacer twice a day. Passive transfer of immunity (total protein, IgG, and IgA) through colostrum was evaluated and endogenous production of IgA was investigated by measuring IgA-producing plasma cells, IgA relative gene expression (PIGR and CD79A), and secretory IgA concentration in the gut. The concentration of targeted microbial groups was evaluated with quantitative PCR in the gut digesta collected at d 7 of life. Early SCB supplementation did not impair immunoglobulin absorption and all calves had successful passive transfer of immunity (serum IgG concentration >15 mg/mL at d 1 and d 7 of age). Although the expression of IgA relative gene expression (PIGR and CD79A) was not different, SCB calves had higher secretory IgA concentrations in the ileum (1.98 ± 0.12 mg/g of dry matter; DM) and colon (1.45 ± 0.12 mg/g of DM) digesta compared with control animals (1.18 and 0.59 ± 0.12 mg/g of DM, respectively). In addition, the number of IgA-producing plasma cells were greater in both ileum (2.55 ± 0.40 cells/mm2) and colon (3.03 ± 0.40 cells/mm2) tissues for SCB calves compared with control (respectively 1.00 ± 0.40 and 0.60 ± 0.42 cells/mm2). Endogenous IgA production in the gut of SCB calves was enhanced, which could make them less prone to pathogen intrusion. In addition, SCB calves had higher Lactobacillus and tended to have higher Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the jejunum compared with control calves, which suggests that SCB supplementation during early-life gut colonization may have a positive effect in newborn calves. Direct SCB supplementation or the cross-talk between SCB and bacteria may be responsible for stimulating IgA production and may play a key role in shaping early colonization in the gut of newborn calves.

Passive transfer and neonatal health in dairy calves receiving maternal colostrum and/or a colostrum replacer

The objective of this study was to evaluate the passive transfer (PT), health and performance of calves fed differing volumes of a colostrum replacer and/or maternal colostrum. Newborn calves were colostrum fed within 2 h of birth as follows:1) 2 L (192.78 ± 11.55 g of IgG) of maternal colostrum (2MC); 2) 4 L of maternal (387.69 ± 12.10 g of IgG ) colostrum (4MC); 3) 2 L (196.16 ± 11.48 g of IgG) of maternal colostrum + one package (100 g IgG in 1.4 L) of colostrum replacer (2MC1CR); 4) 2 packages of colostrum replacer (2CR) and 5) 2 packages of colostrum replacer given within 2 h following birth + one package of colostrum replacer given between 6 and 8 h after birth (3CR). Calves were individually housed and following colostrum feeding(s), were fed 6 L/d of milk replacer with ad libitum access to water and calf starter. Passive transfer as assessed by serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were high (mean values of 21.8–25.9 g IgG/L) and did not differ signficantly among groups (P > 0.05). Calves fed larger volumes of colostrum and thus greater Ig mass had lower apparent efficiency absorption (P < 0.0001). There was no difference among colostrum feeding protocols in health parameter outcomes, including fecal score, days with diarrhea, days with fever, number of treatments for diarrhea and number of treatments for pneumonia (P > 0.05). However, the number of treatments for cattle tick fever differed among groups (P = 0.0042). The mean weight and ADG, as well as the blood parameters including total protein, albumin, glucose, BHBA, NEFA and insulin levels, evaluated during the pre-weaning period, did not differ among the groups (P > 0.05). While group numbers were modest (10 calves/treatment), this study shows that all protocols used can deliver high levels of passive transfer suggesting that either good quality maternal colostrum and/or the colostrum replacer evaluated may be recommended for newborn calf colostrum management.

Short communication: Variation in serum immunoglobulin G concentrations from birth to 112 days of age in Holstein calves fed a commercial colostrum replacer or maternal colostrum

Serum IgG concentrations in dairy calves change throughout their first weeks of life, peaking at 24 h and then steadily decreasing until calves begin to produce endogenous IgG. The objective of this study was to observe serum IgG dynamics from birth until 16 wk of life in calves fed either maternal colostrum (MC) or colostrum replacer (CR). A total of 44 Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 colostrum treatments and followed throughout the study. Treatments consisted of feeding high-quality MC, low-quality MC supplemented with CR, or 1 of 2 distinct levels of IgG concentration from CR. Overall, the interaction between type of colostrum fed and sampling time was significant. Individual differences for this effect were found at d 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 98, while the other time points were not different.

Effects of 2 colostrum and subsequent milk replacer feeding intensities on methane production, rumen development, and performance in young calves

A growing need exists for the development of practical feeding strategies to mitigate methane (CH4) emissions from cattle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of milk replacer feeding intensity (MFI) in calves on CH4 emission, rumen development, and performance. Twenty-eight female newborn Holstein calves were randomly assigned to 2 feeding groups, offered daily either 10% of the body weight (BW) in colostrum and subsequently 10% of the BW in milk replacer (MR; 10%-MR), or 12% of the BW in colostrum followed by 20% of the BW in MR (20%-MR). In wk 3, half of each feeding group was equipped with a permanent rumen cannula. Both groups were weaned at the end of wk 12. Hay and calf starter (mixture of pelleted grains) were offered from d 1 until wk 14 and 16, respectively. A total mixed ration was offered from wk 11 onward. Feed intake was measured daily and BW, anatomical measures, and rumen size weekly. Methane production and gastrointestinal passage rate were measured pre-weaning in wk 6 and 9 and post-weaning in wk 14 and 22, with additional estimation of organic matter digestibility. Rumen fluid, collected in wk 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 14, 18, and 22, was analyzed for volatile fatty acid concentrations. Although the experimental period ended in wk 23, rumen volume of 17 calves was determined after slaughter in wk 34. Data was analyzed using ANOVA for the effects of feeding group, cannulation, and time, if applicable. Dry matter intake (DMI) of solid feed (SF) in 20%-MR animals was lower pre-weaning in wk 6 to 10 but mostly higher post-weaning. From wk 6 onward, anatomical measures and BW were greater in 20%-MR animals, and only the differences in body condition score gradually ceased post-weaning. Following the amount of SF intake, 10%-MR calves emitted more CH4 pre-weaning in wk 9, whereas post-weaning the 20%-MR group tended to have higher levels. Methane emission intensity (CH4/BW) was lower pre-weaning in 20%-MR animals but was comparable to the 10%-MR group post-weaning. Methane yield (CH4/DMI of SF) and estimated post-weaning organic matter digestibility were not affected by MFI. Rumen size normalized to heart girth was greater in 10%-MR calves from wk 5 to 10, but differences did not persist thereafter. In wk 34, rumen volume was higher in 20%-MR calves, but normalization to BW revealed no difference between feeding groups. In conclusion, high MFI reduces CH4 emission from calves pre-weaning, although this effect ceases post-weaning.

Comparison of immunoglobulin G absorption in calves fed maternal colostrum, a commercial whey-based colostrum replacer, or supplemented maternal colostrum

Successful passive transfer of antibodies in neonatal calves can be achieved by feeding an adequate quantity and quality of maternal colostrum (MC) or colostrum replacer (CR). An alternative could be feeding low-quality maternal colostrum (LMC) with added IgG from a CR. The objective of this study was to determine if a commercial whey-based CR product containing low levels of casein (Premolac PLUS Bovine IgG; Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN) fed to replace MC or supplement LMC could lead to adequate serum IgG levels and apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) in neonatal dairy calves. Holstein calves (n = 20 per treatment) were separated from their dam after birth and randomly assigned to be fed 3.79 L of MC (106 g/L of IgG; 401 g of IgG fed), LMC (30 g/L IgG) supplemented with CR (41 g/L IgG; 154 g of IgG total fed; LMC-CR), or 1.3 L of 1 of 2 levels of CR (110 or 150 g of IgG fed; CR-110 or CR-150) within 1.5 h of birth. Colostrum was obtained from the first (MC) or second and third milkings (LMC) of cows from Pennsylvania State University dairy and pooled by source into large batches. Blood samples were taken from calves before colostrum feeding and 24 h after birth and were analyzed for serum total protein, total IgG, hematocrit, and Brix percentage. Calves fed MC had higher 24-h IgG values (means ± SEM) than calves fed LMC-CR (27.04 ± 1.07 vs. 22.33 ± 1.08 mg/mL, respectively). Feeding 150 g of IgG from CR led to higher 24-h serum IgG values than feeding 110 g of IgG (16.90 ± 1.09 vs. 12.79 ± 1.08 mg/mL). Serum IgG levels were different between the CR-fed calves and the calves fed LMC-CR and MC, but all had average values >10 mg/mL IgG. Calves fed LMC-CR had greater AEA than calves fed MC (54.58 ± 2.39 vs. 24.38 ± 2.36%, respectively). Among calves fed CR-110 or CR-150, AEA did not differ. Serum total protein and Brix percentage had strong correlations with actual IgG values across the entire study. We found no differences in average daily gain or health variables measured, and no differences in final hip width, withers height, or body weight for calves fed MC, LMC-CR, CR-150, or CR-110. These results indicate that CR can be fed successfully as an alternative to MC or as a supplement to colostrum with low IgG.

Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis DNA and Antibodies in Dairy Goat Colostrum and Milk.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is endemic in the Dutch dairy goat population causing economic loss, and negatively influencing welfare. Moreover, there are concerns about a potential zoonotic risk. Therefore the industry’s objectives are to decrease MAP prevalence, limit economic losses as well as reduce the concentration of MAP in (bulk) milk. To diminish within-farm spread of infection, vaccination, age dependent group housing with separation of newborns from adults, as well as rearing on artificial or treated colostrum and milk replacers are implemented. However, the importance of MAP contaminated colostrum and milk as a route of infection in dairy goat herds is unknown. Therefore the aim of this study was to detect the presence of MAP DNA in colostrum and milk from dairy goats in infected herds. A convenience sample of 120 colostrum samples and 202 milk samples from MAP infected dairy goat herds were tested by IS900 real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for MAP DNA. Furthermore, 22 colostrum samples and 27 post mortem milk samples of goats with clinical signs consistent with paratuberculosis from known infected herds were tested. The majority of samples were from goats vaccinated against MAP. Positive or doubtful PCR results were obtained in none of the 120 and two of the 22 colostrum samples, and in eight of the 202 and four of the 27 milk samples Negative PCR results were obtained in the remaining 140 (99%) colostrum samples and 217 (95%) milk samples.

Influence of Colostrum and Vitamins A, D3, and E on Early Intestinal Colonization of Neonatal Holstein Calves Infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis.

Exposure of neonates to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) via infected dams is the primary mode of transmission of Johne’s disease. Little is known about the impacts of feeding colostrum and supplemental vitamins on the gut microbiome in calves exposed to MAP. In the present study, calves were assigned at birth to one of six treatment groups: (1) Colostrum deprived (CD), no vitamins; (2) colostrum replacer (CR), no vitamins; (3) CR, vitamin A; (4) CR, vitamin D3; (5) CR, vitamin E; (6) CR, vitamins A, D3, E, with five calves per treatment in a 14-day study. All calves were orally inoculated with MAP on days 1 and 3 of the study. Differences due to vitamin supplementation were not significant but treatment groups CR-A, CR-E, and CR-ADE had higher numbers of MAP-positive tissues overall. Shannon diversity indices demonstrated regional differences in microbial communities, primarily Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes, between the ileum, cecum, and spiral colon of all calves. CD calves exhibited increased richness compared with CR calves in the cecum and spiral colon and harbored increased Proteobacteria and decreased Bacteroidetes in the mucosa compared with the lumen for all three tissues. Overall, supplementation with vitamins did not appear to influence gut microbiome or impact MAP infection. Feeding of colostrum influenced gut microbiome and resulted in fewer incidences of dysbiosis.

Effects of colostrum and milk replacer feeding rates on intake, growth, and digestibility in calves

Newborn Holstein male calves (n = 50) born on a single dairy farm were assigned randomly at birth to receive 3 feedings of 1.8 L of pooled maternal colostrum (MC) at 1, 6, and 12 h of age or 1 feeding of 500 g of a colostrum replacer reconstituted to 1.8 L at 1 h of age, followed by 2 feedings of 227 g of a commercial milk replacer (MR) reconstituted to 1.8 L at 6 and 12 h of age (CR). All feedings were administered by esophageal feeder. At 2 to 3 d of age, calves were transported to the experimental facility and assigned within colostrum group to receive 0.66 kg/d dry matter (DM) of MR to 39 d, and then 0.33 kg/d to 42 d (MRM) or 0.77 kg/d of MR DM to d 13, 1.03 kg/d for 22 d, and 0.51 kg/d for 7 d (MRH). The MR contained 25.8% crude protein and 17.6% crude fat (DM basis) and was based on whey proteins and lard as the primary fat source. Calf starter (21.7% crude protein, 15.7% neutral detergent fiber, 37.4% starch, DM basis) and water were available for ad libitum consumption throughout the 56-d study. Serum IgG and total protein were measured at 2 to 3 d of age. Intakes of MR and calf starter were monitored daily. Calf health and fecal scores were also monitored daily. Body weight was measured weekly, and hip width and body condition score were monitored every 2 wk. Digestion of DM, organic matter, crude protein, and ether extract were determined at 1 and 3 wk from 5 calves randomly selected within treatment and using chromic oxide as a digestibility marker added to the MR. Calves fed CR had lower serum IgG and total protein than calves fed MC. Also, calves fed CR grew more slowly, consumed less calf starter, and were less efficient to 56 d than calves fed MC. The number of days calves were treated with veterinary medications was higher when calves were fed CR. Calves fed MC-MRH gained more BW than other calves from 3 to 8 wk of age. Calves fed CR-MRH consumed less calf starter than other calves during wk 7 and 8. Digestion of nutrients at 1 and 3 wk of the study was unaffected by type of colostrum or level of MR fed and did not change from 1 to 3 wk. Over the first 2 mo of life, the calves fed MRH consumed less calf starter than calves fed MRM, but average daily gain or hip width change did not differ. One feeding of CR followed by 2 feedings of MR in the first 24 h likely reduced absorption of IgG from CR and contributed to differences in health and growth. Differences in animal performance observed in this study were unrelated to MR digestibility.

VALIDATION OF IMMUNOCRIT AS A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETECT FAILURE OF PASSIVE TRANSFER OF IMMUNITY IN HAND-REARED NONDOMESTIC RUMINANT NEONATES.

Domestic and nondomestic ruminant neonates with failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPI) have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Hand-reared individuals often have a higher incidence of FPI compared with those that are dam-reared. Hand-reared, nondomestic ruminant neonates raised at zoological establishments are often fed a commercially available bovine colostrum replacer. Consequently, it is desirable to monitor for FPI using a single test that performs well across a wide range of species. The immunocrit test method has been reported to have acceptable diagnostic sensitivity for detecting FPI in dairy calves. Advantages of the immunocrit are that it is inexpensive, quick, easy to perform, non-species-specific, and only precipitates immunoglobulins. This study evaluated the ability of immunocrit to predict serum immunoglobulin levels and FPI via comparison with radial immunodiffusion (reference method). The study used 100 serum samples collected from hand-reared ruminant neonates from 29 nondomestic species, 12-120 hr old, that were fed a commercial bovine colostrum replacer at a zoological institution. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios for FPI were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The immunocrit cutoff point of 14% maximized sensitivity at 88.6% (95% CI, 78.7-94.9%) and specificity at 83.3% (95% CI, 65.3-94.4%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.87-0.98; P < 0.001). This research demonstrates that the immunocrit test has acceptable performance in detecting FPI in a wide variety of nondomestic hand-reared ruminant neonates. Use of the immunocrit test will help improve the identification of FPI neonates and aid in the management of colostrum feeding practices of nondomestic ruminant species in captivity.

Risk factor analysis for neonatal lamb mortality in Malpura sheep

The magnitude of risk for neonatal mortality (NM) due to non-genetic factors was assessed using data on 5,722 Malpura lambs born during 1991–2016 at ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan. The association of non-genetic factors influencing lamb mortality was obtained by odds ratio (OR). The overall annual NM was 4.07% with around 3 times higher in hebdomadal (3.15%) than post-hebdomadal (0.93%) phase. In comparison to lambs with &gt;3.50 kg birth weight, the OR varied from 2.03 (birth weight 3.01–3.50 kg) to 19.29 (birth weight &lt;2.00 kg). Neonatal mortality was significantly higher (6.51%) in lambs born to younger ewes (up to 2 yr). The parity of dam had significant effect on NM with maximum mortality in lambs born to ewes in 1st (5.59%) parity. Dam’s weight at lambing revealed significantly maximum (32.35%) mortality in lambs born to ewes with &lt;20.0 kg body weight. In comparison to ewes with 30–35 kg body weight at lambing, the OR for NM was maximum (17.28) in lambs born to ewes with &lt;20.0 kg body weight at lambing. The causes of neonatal lamb mortality exhibited predominance of septicaemia/ toxaemia with 25.75% contribution in total deaths followed by neonatal inanition (21.89%), pneumonia (12.02) and enteritis (8.58%). The study revealed that NM during early phase of life was primarily influenced by both lamb and ewe factors. Strategies should be adopted for proper nutritional care of primiparous and weak ewes during gestation, intensive monitoring of lamb and ewes during the neonatal period with ensured colostrum or milk replacer feeding and suitable housing facility to minimize the neonatal losses.

Effect of butyrate on passive transfer of immunity in dairy calves

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of supplemental butyrate on (1) Ig production in dams and (2) Ig absorption in their calves. Twenty dry dams fed a close-up total mixed ration were assigned to either a control treatment (CTRL-D) or a butyrate treatment where the close-up total mixed ration was supplemented with butyrate at 1% of dry matter intake (wt/wt; BUT-D). At calving, calves were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: a control group fed colostrum replacer only (CTRL-C) and a butyrate group fed colostrum replacer with supplemental butyrate at 2.5% (wt/vol; BUT-C). Serum IgG, glucose, and β-hydroxybutyrate were measured weekly in both dams and calves. Additionally, calves were weighed weekly to determine average daily gain. In dams, serum IgG concentration was not different between CTRL-D and BUT-D (1,785 ± 117 vs. 1,736 ± 137 mg/dL, respectively), nor was there a change in Ig levels in the colostrum between control and butyrate groups. Serum total protein did not differ between CTRL-D and BUT-D dams. Dam dry matter intake did not differ between CTRL-D and BUT-D but did decrease 1 wk before parturition. Compared with CTRL-C calves, BUT-C calves had significantly decreased serum IgG concentration at 24 h (2,110 ± 124 vs. 1,400 ± 115 mg/dL), wk 1 (1,397 ± 121 vs. 866 ± 115 mg/dL), and wk 2 (1,310 ± 121 vs. 797 ± 115 mg/dL). Additionally, apparent efficiency of absorption was lower for the BUT-C group compared with the CTRL-C group (35.3 ± 2.1 vs. 25.9 ± 2.0). Differences in serum Ig concentrations between the CTRL-C and BUT-C groups did not affect average daily gain (0.59 ± 0.05 vs. 0.48 ± 0.05 kg/d, respectively), serum glucose concentrations, or serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. These data demonstrate that butyrate inclusion in colostrum negatively affects IgG absorption in newborn calves, whereas calf body weight gains were unaffected.

Short communication: Blood mineral and gas concentrations of calves born to cows fed prepartum diets differing in dietary cation-anion difference and calcium concentration

Eighty-two multiparous Holstein cows were fed diets differing in dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) and Ca concentrations in a randomized block design experiment beginning 4 wk before anticipated calving to determine the effects on colostrum yield and quality and acid-base balance and mineral status of newborn calves. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial to provide 2 DCAD [-22 mEq/100 g of dry matter (NEG) or -3 mEq/100 g of dry matter (NEU)] and 2 supplemental Ca concentrations (1.3 or 1.8% of dry matter). After calving, cows were milked within 2 to 8 h and colostrum yield was recorded. Calves were fed 200 g of IgG of a commercial colostrum replacer within 4 h of birth. No differences were observed in birth weight or dystocia score among treatments, which averaged 42.7 kg and 1.12, respectively. Colostrum yield was not different among treatments and averaged 8.75 kg. Colostrum quality, as measured using a Brix refractometer, was not affected by DCAD but was higher for 1.3% compared with 1.8% Ca: 21.58% and 19.87%, respectively. Colostrum IgG concentrations were higher for NEG compared with NEU and for 1.3% compared with 1.8% Ca. No differences were observed in concentrations of serum IgG, Ca, P, K, Cl, anion gap, or whole-blood pH, partial pressure of O2, or SO2 of calves among treatments. Serum Mg and lactate concentrations were higher and CO2 tended to be lower for calves born to cows fed 1.3% compared with 1.8% Ca. Interactions of DCAD and Ca were observed for serum Na and Cl, which were higher for NEU-1.3% Ca and NEG-1.8% Ca compared with NEU-1.8% Ca and NEG-1.3% Ca. Whole-blood partial pressure of CO2, and HCO3 exhibited an interaction of DCAD and Ca and tended to be lower for NEU-1.3% Ca and NEG-1.8% Ca compared with NEU-1.8% Ca and NEG-1.3% Ca. Results of this trial indicate that feeding prepartum diets with 1.8% compared with 1.3% supplemental Ca reduced colostrum quality and serum concentrations of Mg and lactate in calves immediately after birth. Feeding NEG supported higher colostrum IgG concentrations. Blood mineral concentrations and blood gas balance tended to differ, but the effects were not consistent across DCAD and Ca.