Colostrum Replacer Research Articles

Preparation of a high-immunoglobulin product from bovine colostrum

An effective colostrum management programme is the most important factor in determining the health and survival of the neonatal calf. Commercially available colostrum replacers (CR) and colostrum supplements (CS) are an alternative to colostrum on farms that do not have an adequate, high-quality colostrum supply, or those farms that want to prevent transmission of disease from cow to calf. The present study aimed to obtain a high immunoglobulin (Ig), dried bovine colostrum product that could be used as a CR or CS for dairy calves. Dried whey was made from 6 batches of colostrum and an additional 6 batches were used to produce dried whey and curds. Dried whey had higher IgG concentration (P<0.05) and lactose (P<0.05), and less fat (P<0.05) compared to curds or the original colostrum. There was a strong linear relationship between initial colostrum IgG concentration and whey (R2=0.86) with approximately 0.45 of the initial colostral IgG residing in curd. The high IgG and the composition of colostrum whey powder suggests it could be an effective CS product for use with dairy calves. The high fat and IgG content of the curd by-product indicate that it might be a potential weaning supplement in piglets or even a product for human consumption.

LACTATION BIOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Role of colostrum and colostrum components on glucose metabolism in neonatal calves1,2

In neonatal calves, nutrient intake shifts from continuous glucose supply via the placenta to discontinuous colostrum and milk intake with lactose and fat as main energy sources. Calves are often born hypoglycemic and have to establish endogenous glucose production (eGP) and gluconeogenesis, because lactose intake by colostrum and milk does not meet glucose demands. Besides establishing a passive immunity, colostrum intake stimulates maturation and function of the neonatal gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Nutrients and nonnutritive factors, such as hormones and growth factors, which are present in high amounts in colostrum of first milking after parturition, affect intestinal growth and function and enhance the absorptive capacity of the GIT. Likely as a consequence of that, colostrum feeding improves the glucose status in neonatal calves by increasing glucose absorption, which results in elevated postprandial plasma glucose concentrations. Hepatic glycogen concentrations rise much greater when colostrum instead of a milk-based colostrum replacer (formula with same nutrient composition as colostrum but almost no biologically active substances, such as hormones and growth factors) is fed. In contrast, first-pass glucose uptake in the splanchnic tissue tended to be greater in calves fed formula. The greater plasma glucose rise and improved energy status in neonatal calves after colostrum intake lead to greater insulin secretion and accelerated stimulation of anabolic processes indicated by enhanced maturation of the postnatal somatotropic axis in neonatal calves. Hormones involved in stimulation of eGP, such as glucagon and cortisol, depend on neonatal diet, but their effects on eGP stimulation seem to be impaired. Although colostrum feeding affects systemic insulin, IGF-I, and leptin concentrations, evidence for systemic action of colostral insulin, IGF-I, and leptin in neonatal calves is weak. Studies so far indicate no absorption of insulin, IGF-I, and leptin from colostrum in neonatal calves, unlike in rodents where systemic effects of colostral leptin are demonstrated. Therefore, glucose availability in neonatal calves is promoted by perinatal maturation of eGP and colostrum intake. There may be long-lasting effects of an improved colostrum supply and glucose status on postnatal growth and development, and colostrum supply may contribute to neonatal programming of performance (milk and growth) in later life, but data proving this concept are missing.

Comparison of serum concentrations and duration of BVDV 1, BVDV 2, BHV-1, BRSV, and PI3 virus-neutralizing antibodies in calves fed maternal colostrum or a colostrum replacer at birth

Providing newborn calves with high concentrations of neutralizing antibodies through colostrum is a key management strategy for the reduction of respiratory disease caused by BVDV, BHV-1, BRSV, and PI3 in young calves. When maternally-derived immunity decays, calves become susceptible to acute viral infection and disease. Duration of maternally-derived immunity is dependent on the amount of neutralizing antibodies absorbed from colostrum. Feeding a commercial colostrum replacer is an alternative to provide passive immunity to neonatal calves when availability of maternal colostrum is compromised. The ability of colostrum replacers to provide neonatal calves with an adequate concentration and duration of specific virus-neutralizing antibodies against common respiratory viruses has not been described. The objective of this study was to compare the total serum concentration and duration of BVDV, BHV-1, BRSV and PI3 virus neutralizing antibodies in calves fed maternal colostrum (MC) or a commercial colostrum replacer (CR) at birth.

Efficacy of feeding cow colostrum to newborn lambs

In the present study the efficacy of feeding cow colostrum to newborn lambs was investigated. Seventy two newborn lambs were divided into 6 groups and were fed as follows: groups 1 to 3 received 4 meals of 1st or 2nd or unknown milking cow colostrums (UMCC) in 18h, group 4 received 6ml of a commercial cow colostrum replacer and 2 meals of UMCC, group 5 received 4 meals of ewe colostrum, and group 6 lambs were allowed to be nourished by their dams. Blood samples were collected at 24h, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week after birth. Total proteins and albumin concentrations and γ-Glutamyl-Transferase activity (γ-GT) were assayed spectophotometrically, while globulin concentration was calculated from the related data. Significant differences (P<0.05) among groups were observed at 24h after birth for all parameters; differences in total globulins and γ-GT activity were non-detectable at 4th week. At 4th week of age, no differences were detected in almost all parameters measured between lambs that received artificially ewe or cow colostrum. Our data imply that cow colostrum could be a good replacer of ewe colostrum as concerns passive immunity in cases where ewe colostrum physically cannot or it is not advisable to be used.

Effect of a plasma-derived colostrum replacement feeding program on adult performance and longevity in Holstein cows

Effect of a plasma-derived colostrum replacement feeding program on adult performance and longevity in Holstein cows

Addition of sodium bicarbonate to either 1 or 2 feedings of colostrum replacer: Effect on uptake and rate of absorption of immunoglobulin G in neonatal calves

Forty Holstein dairy calves were blocked by birth date and sex, and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments within each block to elucidate the effect of feeding regimen and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) supplementation on absorption of IgG from colostrum replacer (CR). Calves received CR containing 191.4g of IgG fed either in 1 feeding at 0h (within 45min of birth), with or without 30g of NaHCO3, or in 2 feedings (127.6g of IgG at 0h, with or without 20g of NaHCO3, and 63.8g of IgG at 6h, with or without 10g of NaHCO3). The treatments were (1) 1 feeding of CR+0g of NaHCO3; (2) 1 feeding of CR+30g of NaHCO3; (3) 2 feedings of CR+0g of NaHCO3; and (4) 2 feedings of CR+30g total of NaHCO3. Only calves born with no dystocia were used on this study. Blood samples were taken at 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24h postpartum and were analyzed for IgG using a radial immunoassay. Results indicated that, individually, feeding regimen and NaHCO3 treatments had no effect. However, the interaction was significant for 24-h IgG and area under the curve, and showed a trend for apparent efficiency of absorption. Absorption rate data indicated that, for calves fed within 45min of birth, most IgG absorption occurred in the first 6h after birth. From 6 to 12h postpartum, IgG absorption started to decrease; however, IgG absorption remained higher for calves fed in a single feeding than in 2 feedings. These data indicated that NaHCO3 may increase IgG absorption when calves are fed colostrum in a single feeding but is not beneficial when colostrum is fed in 2 feedings.

Short communication: Addition of varying amounts of sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer: Effects on immunoglobulin G absorption and serum bicarbonate in neonatal calves

Fifty-two dairy calves were blocked by birth date and, within each block, randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments to investigate the effects of incremental levels of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on IgG metabolism. Treatments were (1) colostrum replacer (CR)+0g of NaHCO3 (control); (2) CR+15g of NaHCO3; (3) CR+30g of NaHCO3; or (4) CR+45g of NaHCO3. Calves were fed colostrum replacer (>200g of IgG) in one feeding within 45min of birth (0h) and 2L of milk replacer at 12, 24, 36, and 48h. Only calves born in calving pens from multiparous cows with no dystocia were used in this study. Blood samples were taken at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48h postpartum, and serum was analyzed for IgG using radial immunoassay and bicarbonate using spectrophotometry. Feeding increasing levels of sodium bicarbonate had negative linear effects on IgG concentration, IgG apparent efficiency of absorption, and IgG area under the curve, primarily due to the effect of the highest dose of NaHCO3 (45g). Sodium bicarbonate treatments had no effect on serum bicarbonate concentration. However, area under the curve of serum bicarbonate increased linearly with the amount of NaHCO3 fed.

Passive Transfer of Immunity, Preweaning Health, and Growth in Holstein Calves Fed a Bovine Lacteal-Derived Colostrum Replacer or Raw Pooled Colostrum

Pooling raw colostrum from multiple cow sources for feeding calves is a well-recognized risk factor for both the transmission of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis and occurrence of failure of passive transfer (FPT) of immunity in calves. Pooled colostrum-related failure of passive transfer (FPT) in calves can be prevented by feeding alternative sources of IgG in the form of colostrum replacement products. The objective of this study was to complete a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) to evaluate the effect of feeding a bovine lacteal-derived colostrum replacer (LCR) versus raw pooled colostrum (RPC) on passive transfer of immunity, growth rates, and preweaning calf health.

Effects of maternal plane of nutrition and increased dietary selenium in first-parity ewes on inflammatory response in the ovine neonatal gut1

Many areas of the western United States have soils that have increased Se content, and ruminants grazing these rangelands may ingest increased quantities of Se. In addition, high-energy diets or increased Se intake may induce gut inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of maternal plane of nutrition and increased dietary Se during gestation on inflammatory responses in neonatal lamb ileal tissue, a major immune organ. Rambouillet ewes (age = 240 ± 17 d; initial BW = 52.1 ± 6.2 kg) were allocated to 4 treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial. Factors included Se [adequate Se (ASe, 11.5 µg/kg of BW) or high Se (HSe, 77.0 µg/kg of BW)] initiated at breeding, and nutritional plane [100% (CON) or 140% (HIH) of requirements] initiated at d 40 of gestation. Ewes were fed individually from d 40, and lambs were removed at parturition and fed artificial colostrum and milk replacer. Lambs were necropsied at 20 d of age, and ileal tissues were sampled for immunoblotting and real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analyses. The ASe-HIH and HSe-CON treatments had no effect (P = 0.179) on inflammatory signaling compared with ASe-CON. However, greater inflammatory signaling was detected in the HSe-HIH group, as shown by increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and chemotaxis IL-8. Consistently, phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, a primary inflammatory signaling mediator, was greater (P < 0.05) in the HSe-HIH group compared with other treatments. Consistent with cytokine expression, mast cell density was less in the HSe-CON group than in other treatments. The expression of transforming growth factor β mRNA was greater (P < 0.05) in the HSe-HIH group; consistently, collagen content was increased in the HSe-HIH group compared with the ASe-CON group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, independently, neither HSe nor HIH had major effects on inflammation, but in combination, these maternal treatments induced an inflammatory response in the neonatal intestine.

Short communication: Serum immunoglobulin G and total protein concentrations in dairy calves fed a colostrum-replacement product

Neonatal calf health is largely dependent on the ingestion and absorption of maternally derived antibodies via colostrum administration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available plasma-derived colostrum-replacement (CR) product as compared with bovine colostrum. Holstein calves were removed from the dam immediately after birth and randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 calves (n=22) were fed 1 package of the CR product; group 2 calves (n=22) were fed 2 packages of the CR product; and group 3 calves (n=22) were fed 3L of bovine colostrum. Blood samples were collected from all calves 24h after colostrum or CR feeding and analyzed for serum IgG and total protein concentrations. Calves fed bovine colostrum had significantly higher serum IgG and total protein concentration than calves in either group fed the CR product. Group 1 calves (1 package of CR product) had a significantly higher incidence of failure of transfer of passive immunity than calves in groups 2 or 3. The results of this study indicated that 2 packages of this CR product achieved adequate IgG concentrations in calves. However, calves fed 1 package of this CR product consistently had failure of transfer of passive immunity.

Colostrum replacers

Veterinary practitioners must understand the differences in immunoglobulin G (IgG) content between different types of colostrum replacers, as well as the efficiency of immunoglobulin absorption from various sources. In a disease control program, to protect against Mycoplasma bovis, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis exposure, and the potential for exposure to bovine leukemia virus, a colostrum replacer is a viable option to feeding maternal colostrum that might be contaminated with these potential pathogens. Veterinarians should also weigh the convenience, relative simplicity, and accuracy of administering a colostrum replacer versus the expense and intricate protocol necessary to properly manage maternal colostrum. Dried colostrumderived colostrum replacers supply predominately IgG1, while colostrum replacers derived from bovine plasma or serum supply 50% IgG1 and 50% IgG2 immunoglobulins. It is acceptable to utilize colostrum replacers of proven quality in place of raw, pooled or pasteurized maternal colostrum, providing the necessary amount of total IgG is administered for the birth weight of the calf. If administered properly, colostrum replacers can provide passive transfer of immunity for neonatal calves.

Short communication: Improving passive transfer of immunoglobulins in calves. III. Effect of artificial mothering

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of artificial mothering, simulated by verbal and physical stimulation of the newborn, on passive transfer of IgG in the dairy calf. Newborn heifer calves born without dystocia were removed from the dam before suckling and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: no tactile or verbal stimulation other than that required for feeding (group 1; n=20), or artificial mothering, consisting of 15min of vigorous physical and verbal stimulation conducted within 1 to 2h of birth at the time of colostrum feeding and repeated 1 to 2h later (group 2; n=21). All calves were fed 2.25L (150g of IgG) of a commercially available colostrum replacement using an esophageal tube feeder. Blood samples collected at 24h of age showed that serum IgG levels and the apparent efficiency of absorption of the IgG were similar in both groups of calves. Artificial mothering by physical and verbal stimulation had no significant effect on IgG passive transfer in dairy heifers born without dystocia.

Comparison of passive transfer of immunity in neonatal dairy calves fed colostrum or bovine serum-based colostrum replacement and colostrum supplement products

To compare serum total protein (sTP) and serum IgG (sIgG) concentrations In neonatal calves administered colostrum or a bovine serum-based colostrum replacement (CR) product followed by a bovine serum-based colostrum supplement (CS) product. Randomized controlled clinical trial. 18 Jersey and 269 Holstein neonatal heifer calves. 141 calves were given 4 L of colostrum in 1 or 2 feedings (first or only feeding was provided≤2 hours after birth; when applicable, a second feeding was provided between 2 and 12 hours after birth). Other calves (n=146) were fed 2 L of a CR product≤2 hours after birth and then 2 L of a CS product between 2 and 12 hours after birth. Concentrations of sTP and sIgG were measured 1 to 7 days after birth. Data from cohorts on individual farms and for all farms were analyzed. Mean sTP and sIgG concentrations differed significantly between feeding groups. In calves fed colostrum and calves fed CR and CS products, mean±SD sTP concentration was 5.58±0.67 g/dL and 5.26±0.54 g/dL, respectively, and mean sIgG concentration was 1,868±854 mg/dL and 1,320±620 mg/dL, respectively. The percentage of calves that had failure of passive transfer of immunity (ie, sIgG concentrations<1,000 mg/dL) was not significantly different between groups. Results suggested that sequential feeding of bovine serum-based CR and CS products to neonatal calves is an alternative to feeding colostrum for achieving passive transfer of immunity.

Comparison of Feeding Lacteal- and Plasma-derived Commercial Colostrum Replacers on Fecal Scores and Pathogen Shedding in Heifer Dairy Calves

Failure of passive transfer (FPT), defined as serum IgG &lt;10 mg/mL at 24-48 hours of age, is an important problem on dairy farms. If an adequate supply of high-quality colostrum is not available, producers may feed a colostrum replacer (CR) product. However, studies are lacking to compare the effects of different CR products on passive transfer and calf health during the preweaning period. The objectives of this study were to describe the effect of feeding two different commercially available CR products, one lacteal-derived (LD CR) and one plasma-derived (PD CR) on 1) serum IgG levels during the first nine weeks, 2) the risk for development of scours, and 3) the risk for fecal shedding of common enteric pathogens in the first 14 days of age.

Relationship between Serum Total Protein and Serum IgG in Holstein Calves Fed Either a Lacteal- or Plasma-derived Colostrum Replacer

Bovine neonates have a naïve immune system and must initially rely on the absorption and passive transfer of maternally derived immunoglobulins (lg) ingested in colostrum. Acceptable passive transfer (APT) is defined as a serum IgG≥10 mg/mL between 24-48 hours of age. A serum total protein (STP) cutpoint of 5.0 or 5.2 g/dl is commonly used to predict APT for calves fed lacteal-derived whole colostrum (Calloway et al, 2002). However, many producers now feed powdered commercial colostrum replacers (CR). Some CR products contain lacteal-derived (LD) lg while others contain lg derived from spray-dried plasma (PD). Research is needed to determine the best STP cutpoint to predict APT for calves fed either LD or PD CR products. The objectives of this study were to 1) describe levels of passive transfer and 2) determine the relationship between STP and IgG for neonatal calves fed a commercially available LD CR or PD CR product, respectively.

Effect of a plasma-derived colostrum replacement feeding program on adult performance and longevity in Holstein cows

To evaluate longevity, milk production, and breeding performance in adult Holstein cows fed either a plasma-derived commercial colostrum replacer (CR) or raw bovine maternal colostrum (MC) at birth. Randomized controlled clinical trial. 497 heifer calves born in 12 commercial dairies located in Minnesota and Wisconsin. All calves were separated from their dams within 30 to 60 minutes after birth and systematically assigned to be fed either MC (control group [n = 261 calves]) or CR (treatment group [236]). Calves were observed from birth up to adulthood (approx 54 months old), during which time death and culling events plus milk yield and breeding performance data were collected. Time to death, time to culling, time to death or culling combined, time to first calving, and time to conception intervals were evaluated by use of proportional hazards survival analysis models. Number of times inseminated per conception and lifetime milk yield (up to 54 months old) were evaluated by use of general linear models. Cows fed CR as calves at the time of birth were no different than cows fed MC as calves with respect to overall risk of death, culling, or death or culling combined (from birth to 54 months of follow-up and from first calving to 54 months old); lifetime milk yield; and breeding performance. No difference was detected in overall risk of death or culling, milk production, or reproductive performance between cows fed CR and those fed MC as calves at birth.

Parenteral and enteral feeding in preterm piglets differently affects extracellular matrix proteins, enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis in the small intestine

The preterm intestine is immature and responds differently to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and enteral nutrition, compared with the term intestine. We hypothesised that in preterms, diet composition and feeding route affect mucosal morphology, enterocyte mitosis and apoptosis, and the distribution of laminin-1, fibronectin and collagen IV (extracellular matrix proteins (ECMP)). Preterm piglets (93.5 % of gestation) were delivered via caesarean section and birth weight-matched allocated to one of the four experimental groups: the piglets were either euthanised immediately after delivery, after 3 d of TPN or after 2 d enteral feeding with colostrum or milk formula, following 3 d of TPN. We combined immunohistochemistry, image analysis and stereological measurements to describe the intestinal mucosal layer. No significant changes occurred after 3 d of TPN. Feeding colostrum or milk replacer for 2 d after TPN was associated with an increased crypt depth. Only enteral feeding with colostrum resulted in an increased villus height and mitotic index. Neither TPN nor enteral feeding changed the distribution pattern of ECMP or the occurrence of bifid crypts. The immature distribution pattern of ECMP in TPN-fed piglets, coupled with unchanged enterocyte mitosis and apoptosis indices, illustrates that feeding preterm pigs 3 d TPN does not lead to mucosal atrophy. Despite the invariable distribution of ECMP, colostrum was associated with crypt hyperplasia resulting in an increased villus height. These data illustrate that some mechanisms regulating cell turnover are immature in preterms and may in part explain the abnormal gut responses to TPN and enteral feeding in prematurely born pigs.

Anionic salts in the prepartum diet and addition of sodium bicarbonate to colostrum replacer, and their effects on immunoglobulin G absorption in the neonate

The objectives of this experiment were to determine whether feeding anionic salts to prepartum Holstein cows affected their calf's colostral IgG passive transfer and whether adding sodium bicarbonate to a colostrum replacer (CR) would increase the efficiency of IgG absorption. Forty Holstein cows and their resulting calves were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block design based on expected date of calving. Three weeks before the projected due date, cows were placed on 1 of 2 treatments: a diet without anionic salts (dietary cation-anion difference of +77 mEq/kg) or a diet with anionic salts (dietary cation-anion difference of −100 mEq/kg). Within 45min after birth, all calves received 1 dose of a commercially available CR (132g of IgG) without or with supplemental sodium bicarbonate (19.5 g/dose). A half-dose of CR (66g of IgG) and sodium bicarbonate (9.75g) was fed at 6h of age. Calves received milk replacer at 12, 24, 36, and 48h. Blood samples were obtained from calves at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48h and were analyzed for IgG concentration. Cows fed the diet supplemented with anionic salts had lower DMI on d 8, 5, 4, and 1 and lower urine pH 2 and 1 wk before parturition compared with cows fed the diet without supplemental anionic salts. Calves born from dams receiving anionic salts had similar IgG concentrations (15.1 vs. 14.4g/L) and apparent efficiency of absorption values (29.2 vs. 28.2%) compared with calves born from dams not fed anionic salts. Calves receiving supplemental sodium bicarbonate in the CR had higher serum IgG concentrations at 12 (14.4 vs. 12.0g/L), 24 (16.3 vs. 13.2g/L), and 48h (14.6 vs. 11.2g/L) and higher apparent efficiency of absorption values (31.2 vs. 26.1%) than calves that did not receive sodium bicarbonate in the CR. Calves receiving sodium bicarbonate also had greater area under the curve values for IgG absorption compared with calves not receiving sodium bicarbonate. There was a trend for an interaction with calves born from dams fed anionic salts having a greater area under the curve when fed supplemental sodium bicarbonate. Of the 40 calves in the study, 90% obtained adequate passive transfer (serum IgG ≥10g/L). This study indicates that feeding anionic salts to the dam has no effect on passive transfer, whereas adding sodium bicarbonate to the CR increased IgG uptake in calves.

Effects of Oral Administration of Difructose Anhydride III on Selected Health and Blood Parameters of Group-housed Japanese Black Calves during the Preweaning Period

Two field studies were conducted to determine the efficacy of difructose anhydride III (DFA III) as a supplement in colostrum replacer (CR) for improving the general health status (judged on the basis of incidence of enteritis, bronchitis, and pneumonia) of group-housed suckling Japanese Black calves. In a preliminary study, CR supplemented with DFA III (6 g) was orally administered within 24 h of calving to eight individually reared calves fed colostrum (DFA III group) (Exp. 1). Subsequently, CR supplemented with DFA III (6 g) was orally administered twice within 2 and 12 h of calving to four calves (DFA III group) that were not fed colostrum (Exp. 2). In both experiments, the health status of the calves was assessed during the preweaning period. In Exp. 2, hematological and blood-chemistry parameters were analyzed 24 h after the second administration of CR and at 1 wk and 1 month after calving. The results were compared between the DFA III and control groups (without DFA III supplementation; Exp. 1: n = 10, Exp. 2: n = 4). In Exp. 1, the number of calves requiring medications for the treatment of enteritis, bronchitis, and pneumonia during the pre- weaning period was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the DFA III group than in the control group. In Exp. 2, supplementation of DFA III did not influence the gain in body weight of calves during the pre-weaning period. Calves in the DFA III group tended to require medications for a shorter duration than those in the control group (DFA III: 10.3 d/calf, control: 21.3 d/calf; p = 0.07). Significant differences (p<0.05) in the level of mean corpuscular hemoglobin, total protein, total cholesterol, and immunoglobulin (Ig)G were observed between the DFA III and control groups. These differences probably reflect the health and nutritional status of the calves. Additionally, the serum iron and lactoferrin concentrations at 24 h and 1 wk after calving, respectively, differed significantly between the 2 groups. These concentrations might reflect the incidence of infections after calving. The present study revealed that the administration

Association between Serum Total Protein and Immunoglobulin G Measures in Calves Fed a Whole Colostrum Derived Colostrum Replacer

Use of refractometers to measure serum total protein (TP, g/dl) is a good method for monitoring passive transfer of IgG in groups of calves. Calloway and others (2002) reported that a serum TP concentrations of 5.0 or 5.2 g/dl most accurately predicted adequate passive transfer, defined as serum IgG of 10 mg/mL. The relationship between serum TP and IgG has been determined for calves fed maternal colostrum (MC), but not for calves fed whole colostrum derived colostrum replacers (CR). The objective of this study is to describe the relationship between serum TP (g/dl) and IgG concentrations (mg/mL) at 24 hours of age in calves fed whole colostrum derived CR vs calves fed raw MC.