Cow Colostrum Research Articles

358 Comparison of analytical methods for determination of nutrient concentration in beef cow colostrum and milk

Abstract Our primary objective was to determine the validity of Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) nutrient composition analysis for beef cow colostrum and milk by comparing DHIA with wet chemistry assays for protein, lactose, and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). A secondary objective was to analyze the change in milk nutrient composition over time in beef cattle. Colostrum and milk were collected from multiparous, fall-calving, Sim-Angus cows [n = 43; BW: 649 ± 80 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.3 ± 0.5; age: 4.3 ± 1.2 yr]. Colostrum was collected from a single rear-quarter pre-suckling, and milk was collected during 4-h milk yields at 35 and 60 d post-calving. Sub-samples were sent for DHIA analysis and frozen for colorimetric assays utilizing commercial kits run on a UV-visible light microplate reader. Analytical methods were compared using a general linear model, and nutrient composition across day was analyzed using a mixed model with day as a repeated effect. When comparing wet chemistry and DHIA colostrum analysis, r2 were 0.142 (P = 0.06), 0.348 (P = 0.002), and 0.0004 (P = 0.91) for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectively. Colostrum protein analyses had a negative relationship, whereas lactose was positive. For 35 d milk, r2 were 0.217 (P = 0.002), 0.128 (P = 0.02), and 0.248 (P = 0.001) for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectively. Comparing 60 d milk, r2 (P < 0.001) were 0.706, 0.314, and 0.381 for protein, lactose, and MUN, respectfully. All milk relationships were positive. There was an effect of day on nutrient concentrations, where colostrum contained greater (P < 0.001) protein than 35 and 60 d milk, whereas lactose and MUN were greatest (P < 0.001) in 35 d milk, and lowest (P < 0.001) in colostrum. These data indicate that beef cow colostrum and milk require wet chemistry analysis for improved accuracy.

70 Effects of copper, zinc, and manganese intake in late gestation on milk, cow plasma, and calf plasma trace mineral concentrations post-calving in beef cattle

Abstract Multiparous, fall-calving beef cows [n = 48; 649 ± 80 (SD) kg BW; 5.3 ± 0.5 BCS] were individually-fed tall fescue-based hay (12.2% CP, 61.5% NDF) and supplemented to meet/exceed nutrient recommendations except Cu, Zn, and Mn. From approximately 90 d pre-calving to 11 d post-calving, cows received: no additional Cu, Zn, or Mn (CON); Cu, Zn, and Mn sulfates (ITM) or metal methionine hydroxy analogue chelates (CTM, MINTREX®, Novus International) supplying 133% NASEM recommendations; or Cu, Zn, and Mn sulfates and chelates supplying 100% recommendations (reduce and replace, RR). Treatment, sampling day, their interaction, and breeding group were fixed effects with cow as the experimental unit. Colostrum and milk Cu and Mn and plasma Mn were generally not detectable. Colostrum Zn was greater (P ≤ 0.03) in CTM and ITM than CON and RR. All treatments had greater (P < 0.001) colostrum Zn than d 35 milk, which was greater (P ≤ 0.03) than d 60. Treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.19) cow or calf plasma Cu or Zn post-calving. Calf plasma Zn decreased (P ≤ 0.02) from 0 to 35 d of age. Calf plasma Cu increased (P < 0.01) from 0 to 35 d, then decreased (P = 0.01) from 35 to 60 d. Cow plasma Zn and Cu were greater (P ≤ 0.02) at lactation d 35 and 60 than 1 h post-calving. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine relationships among cow and calf mineral status. There were weak positive correlations (P ≤ 0.06) between calf plasma and milk Zn at d 35 and 60. Cow and calf plasma Zn immediately post-calving had a weak negative correlation (P = 0.04). These results indicate greater Zn concentration in beef cow colostrum than milk, and suggest calf circulating Zn is partially dependent on milk Zn concentration.

The concentration of insuline-like growth factor in colostrum, milk and plasma of cows

Recently, a significant amount of data has been reported indicating on the link between consumption of dairy products and development of oncological diseases. This could be explained by the presence in milk of various hormones, particularly insulin-like growth factor (IGF). This hormone is a mediator between somatotropin and tissues. In response to the increase of the blood level of growth hormone, hepatocytes begin actively synthesize the IGF, which accelerates the rate of the metabolism, including those of onco-cells. The majority of studies relate to humane medicine, and data on the dependence of IGF milk levels on breed, period of lactation, diet, physiological, and clinical status of an animal are lacking. Taking this into consideration, the purpose of this study was to analyze the concentration of insulin-like factor in colostrum, milk of cows and blood plasma at various stages of lactation. Study was performed on cows of Ukrainian black-and-white dairy breed in their from second to fifth lactation with milk yield 5100–5700 kg per previous lactation. Concentration of IGF was detected in colostrum, milk and plasma of cows, using enzyme immunoassay. Obtained material gives evidence that the highest IGF level is present in colostrum. After that hormone concentration decreases up to 10–14 day of lactation. High level of IGF in colostrum might be associated with necessity to stimulate metabolism of calves in early postnatal period of ontogenesis. Immediately after calving plasma level of IGF decreases. The highest level was observed on 10–14th days of lactation. Taking into consideration physiological function of the given hormone, there is no univocal explanation of the decrease of its plasma level in cows at the beginning of lactation. This could be associated with energy deficit, physiological condition of animals or with developing of lactation dominant and levels of other hormones. Potential of further research lies in investigation of the dependence of the IGF level in the secretion of the mammary gland on productivity, breed, age and diet of animals.

ДИНАМИКА КАЧЕСТВА МОЛОЗИВА У КОРОВ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ ВРЕМЕНИ ПЕРВОГО ДОЕНИЯ ПОСЛЕ ОТЕЛА

The aim of the study is to increase the viability of newborn calves and the quality conditions for young-stock breed-ing. Dairy and combined breeds zoned in a climatic area of Central Volga and South Ural were studied. Four ex-perimental groups contained down-calving cows were established: the first group- black and white, the II group – Bestuzhev, III group – Holstein, IV group – Aurshire breeds. After calving the first milking in subgroups was carried out in 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 min., taking the selected average samples of a colostrum for the analysis. It was es-tablished that the first yield colostrum from different breeds selected considerably differs, especially for protein con-tent and its fractions. The Bestuzhev breed surpassed the analogs, respectively by 6.1; 6.6; 0.7%. There is a de-crease of protein portion with time increase to the first milking. The difference amounted to 0.9; 2.6; 0.8; 2.1% in 120 min. in regard to different breeds and in 180 min. – 2.4; 5.2; 2.3; 4.8%. In 180 min in regard to the breed groups es-tablished. Immunoglobulins which form kolostral immunity for calves are very important component among protein fractions. It is established that depending on time of the first milking their content decreases even more considera-bly. 
 In 120 min. after calving the content of immunoglobulins in a colostrum of cows decreased, respectively by 5.2; 12.9; 7.0; 9.7%, and in 180 min. – on 11.1; 28.9; 14.3; 27.0%. At the same time the quality of Aurshire breed colos-trum approached to the lowest point of physiological norm, black and white – was recognized as incomplete, and Holstein breed – was considered unsuitable for newborns at all.

Evaluation of colostrum quality in the Czech Republic using radial immunodiffusion and different types of refractometers

The objectives of this study were to determine the immunoglobulin G concentration of colostrum in Czech dairy cows, to compare refractometer results with results achieved using the radial immunodiffusion method and to evaluate the reliability of three types of refractometers and recommend the best solution for the evaluation of colostrum quality. Colostrum samples (n = 1522) were collected from 38 herds between 2015 and 2017. The immunological quality of colostrum was estimated using Brix refractometers (optical, simple digital, digital Misco) and compared with the immunoglobulin G concentration assessed using radial immunodiffusion. We found high variability in the quality of colostrum. The minimum, maximum and median of individual measurements were the following: radial immunodiffusion immunoglobulin G – 5.2, 199.1, 76.9 g/l; optical refractometer – 9.5, 32.0, 23.1% Brix; simple digital refractometer – 5.4, 35.0, 19.1% Brix; digital refractometer Misco – 9.8, 37.4, 23.2% Brix. On the basis of immunoglobulin G concentration assessed using radial immunodiffusion, 20.9% of colostrum samples were of low quality (immunoglobulin G < 50 g/l). The Spearman correlation coefficients between radial immunodiffusion and the Brix refractometer readings were 0.62–0.67 (P < 0.001) according to the type of refractometer. The cut-off evaluation of the readings from optical and Misco digital refractometers both showed 20% Brix, with sensitivities of 89.4% and 88.2%, specificities of 73.2% and 74.5% and accuracies of 86.0% and 85.4%, respectively. The cut-off level for the simple digital refractometer showed 17% Brix with a sensitivity of 77.5%, specificity of 80.4% and an insufficient accuracy of 78.1%. For optical and Misco refractometers we recommend the use of two cut-off levels for the evaluation of colostrum: 23% Brix for the selection of good quality colostrum suitable for freezing and 19% Brix to discard poor quality colostrum. The different cut-off levels obtained by measuring with different types of refractometers indicate the need to check the quality of the instruments prior to their use in practice and, where appropriate, to determine their cut-off levels by comparison with results obtained using the reference method.

Неспецифічні та антигенспецифічні властивості трансфер-фактора, отриманого з молозива сенсибілізованих до збудника сальмонельозу корів

A promising direction for the treatment and prevention of many animal diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and other infectious agents is transfer factor usage. The article presents new data on the study of nonspecific and antigen-specific properties of transfer factor derived from bovine colostrum. Colostrum from immunized cows of black-and-white breed was used in order to obtain transfer factor. To sensitize the animals of experimental group, the vaccine was administered to cows twice at doses of 10 cm3 and 15 cm3 in 1.5 months before parturition. Animals of the control group were given an appropriate amount of physiological saline solution. The concentrated vaccine against Salmonellosis in calves from the Kherson Biofactory was used for immunization. To determine the presence of sensitization to Salmonella agent, an allergic skin test was used in 14 days after immunization. Colostrum samples were taken immediately and in 2 days after parturition of cows. Isolation of the transfer factor preparations from colostrum was carried out according to the method modified by the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Biotechnology of NUBIP of Ukraine. In order to assess the ability of transfer factor derived from vaccinated cows’ donors to transfer the condition of specific sensitization, a leukocyte migration inhibition test was made by G. Freemel method with the use of transfer factor in different dilutions. To do this, a leukocytes suspension from mice spleen that was previously incubated with different dilution of the studied preparation with the addition of a specific antigen was used. The results of studies have shown that transfer factor obtained from colostrum in cows, sensitized to the salmonellosis pathogen, has pronounced antigen-specific properties against the Salmonella dublin. In addition, it is established that the antigen-specific properties of transfer factor depend on the degree of its dilution. Thus, transfer factor obtained from the colostrum can be used to transfer cell-mediated immunity into other animals to diseases against which pathogens the animals donors are immunized

Effect of calorific intake on proteomic composition of colostrum in dairy cows

The amount of concentrated feed supplied to a dairy cow affects milk yield. However, there is no evidence of a relationship between the colostrum proteomic composition and energy intake. We supplied 30 heifers (4–24 months old, two groups of 15 heifers each) with either a normal diet and high-energy diet to investigate the correlation between energy intake and colostrum protein composition. Colostrum milk proteins were analysed on the day of calving and on the third day following calving using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF). Five proteins were identified as differentially expressed between the two feeding groups in the colostrum on the day of calving. The levels of αS2-casein precursor and β-casein was higher in the colostrum from the high-energy diet group (HEG), whereas the levels of IgG3 heavy chain constant region, non-classical MHC class I antigen isoform X2, and β-casein A2 variant were higher in the normal-diet group (NEG) colostrum. Twelve differential proteins were identified on the third day: β-lactoglobulin, αS2-casein, zinc-α2-glycoprotein, lactoferrin, fibrinogen gamma-B chain isoform X1, non-classical MHC class I antigen isoform X2, complement C3, gelsolin isoform A precursor, vitamin D-binding protein isoform X1, immunoglobulin gamma 1 heavy chain constant region, IgG3 heavy chain constant region and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor. All were present at higher levels in the normal-diet group colostrum than in the high-energy diet group colostrum, although the milk yield from mature cows was lower in the normal-diet group. In conclusion, a high-energy diet can enhance milk production; however, the levels of immune-related factors are higher in the colostrum of cows fed a normal diet.

Staphylococcus aureus infection in cows is a cause of acute digestive disorders in newborn calves

The morbidity of newborn calves caused by enterotoxigenic staphylococci is associated with an increase in staphylococcal processes that are localized in the lizard of the cows and the carrier of the pathogen. Such cows, often with colostrum, transmit the pathogen and its toxins to newborn calves. According to the results of bacteriological studies, in the subclinical form of the mastitis with secretion of the dementia of the cows, Staph. aureus, staph. intermedius, staph. epidermidis, E. coli, Ps. auruginosa, etc., in pure culture, but in most cases, in association with other microorganisms. Staphylococcuses isolated in 25 strains were tested for enterotoxicity. From the strains examined, they produced: three strains of enterotoxin B and five strains enterotoxins B and C. The disease of the cows by staphylococcal infection of the udder influenced the fetal development of the fetus. From cows suffering from mastitis, calves were born weak and 1–2.5 kg live weight lower than from healthy cows. Calves (16 heads) who received colostrum from mothers with staphylococcal infection of the udder in association with other microorganisms, in fourteen cases were ill with signs of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Among calves born from cows suffering from mastitis, but who received colostrum from healthy cows, two of them fell from ten heads. In calves of both groups, the activity of cellular elements was determined by opsonophagocytic response. In the experimental group, where the calves received colostrum, were infected with staphylococci, the intensity of phagocytosis in all study periods was lower (from 0.4 to 1.9) compared with the control group calves. Quality of colostrum of cows also affected the activity of phagocytosis prplodu. In the experimental group, the activity of phagocytosis was throughout the experiment at one level – 33, and in calves that received colostrum from healthy cows, activity increased (after one day – 37, and for the second and third day – 40). Studies have shown that colostrum infected with enterotoxigenic staphylococci, especially in association, is dangerous for newborn calves. It causes them diarrhea and often leads to death. We have confirmed the etiological connection between cows disease with mastitis of staphylococcal etiology and enterocolitis of newborn calves.

PSXII-1 Effects of copper, zinc, and manganese source and concentration during late gestation on beef cow colostrum yield and quality.

PSXII-1 Effects of copper, zinc, and manganese source and concentration during late gestation on beef cow colostrum yield and quality.

Динамика антител в крови и молозиве коров, иммунизированных трехкомпонентной вирусно-бактериальной вакциной

The article presents the results of testing the immune status of cows vaccinated with a three-component viral-bacterial vaccine. It was found that vaccine induces in deep-seated cows a high titers of serum antibodies to the bovine rotavirus and coronavirus, as well as adhesines of E. coli. Purpose. To study the dynamics of the formation of antibodies in the blood and colostrum of cows immunized with a three-component viral-bacterial vaccine. Materials and methods. Cows were immunized with a three-component viral-bacterial vaccine (approved on January 27, 2014) in a cattle-breeding farm in the Vologda Oblast, unfavorable for gastrointestinal infections. The obtained material was examined for the presence of antibodies to the rota- and coronavirus using the ELISA method, using the ANTI-TELA-RODIKOR-ELISA VIEV kit, anti-adhesive antibodies in colostrum were detected in the developed agglutination reaction. Results. The immune response to the introduction of the vaccine produced by FGBNU VIEV was detected in all animals, whereas in the serum of cows in the control groups it was significantly lower. In the colostrum of the first milk yield, the titers of antibodies to the rota and coronavirus were significantly higher compared with the control ones. All indicators indicate sufficient antigenic activity of the tested vaccine. Conclusion. Studies have shown that immunization of pregnant cows with a three-component viral-bacterial vaccine contributes to the development of antibodies to the components of the drug in sufficiently high titers, which will ensure a high level of colostral immunity in newborn calves.

Молозиво и пассивный иммунитет у новорожденных телят: обзор

Transmission of immunoglobulins (Ig) from mother to newborns, classified as passive transmission of immunity, is a critical factor in protecting newborns from infectious diseases. Syndesmochorial structure of the cows placenta prevents the transfer of Ig from the mother to the fetus, so calves are born agammaglobulinemic, that is, without their own Ig, which they receive when consuming colostrum. Obtaining colostrum with high Ig content is the main factor of growth, development and protection of calves in the early postnatal period against pathogens in the environment. Universal media passive immunity is IgG. Violation of passive transfer of Ig leads to an increase in sickness rate and mortality and is considered as an important economic problem for industrial farming. The review discusses the current understanding of the properties, function and importance of cow colostrum in the formation of the immune status of newborn calves and their resistance to disease in the early postnatal period.

Association of bovine major histocompatibility complex (BoLA) gene polymorphism with colostrum and milk microbiota of dairy cows during the first week of lactation

BackgroundThe interplay between host genotype and commensal microbiota at different body sites can have important implications for health and disease. In dairy cows, polymorphism of bovine major histocompatibility complex (BoLA) gene has been associated with susceptibility to several infectious diseases, most importantly mastitis. However, mechanisms underlying this association are yet poorly understood. In the present study, we sought to explore the association of BoLA gene polymorphism with the dynamics of mammary microbiota during the first week of lactation.ResultsColostrum and milk samples were collected from multiparous Holstein dairy cows at the day of calving and days 1 and 6 after calving. Microbiota profiling was performed using high-throughput sequencing of the V1-V2 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes and ITS2 region of the fungal ribosomal DNA. Polymorphism of BoLA genes was determined using PCR-RFLP of exon 2 of the BoLA-DRB3. In general, transition from colostrum to milk resulted in increased species richness and diversity of both bacterial and fungal communities. The most dominant members of intramammary microbiota included Staphylococcus, Ruminococcaceae, and Clostridiales within the bacterial community and Alternaria, Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus within the fungal community. Comparing the composition of intramammary microbiota between identified BoLA-DRB3.2 variants (n = 2) revealed distinct clustering pattern on day 0, whereas this effect was not significant on the microbiota of milk samples collected on subsequent days. On day 0, proportions of several non-aureus Staphylococcus (NAS) OTUs, including those aligned to Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus gallinarum, Staphylococcus sciuri, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus, were enriched within the microbiota of one of the BoLA-DRB3.2 variants, whereas lactic acid bacteria (LAB) including Lactobacillus and Enterococcus were enriched within the colostrum microbiota of the other variant.ConclusionOur results suggest a potential role for BoLA-gene polymorphism in modulating the composition of colostrum microbiota in dairy cows. Determining whether BoLA-mediated shifts in the composition of colostrum microbiota are regulated directly by immune system or indirectly by microbiota-derived colonization resistant can have important implications for future development of preventive/therapeutic strategies for controlling mastitis.

Oversupplying metabolizable protein in late gestation for beef cattle: effects on postpartum ruminal fermentation, blood metabolites, skeletal muscle catabolism, colostrum composition, milk yield and composition, and calf growth performance.

The objective of the study was to determine whether oversupplying MP prepartum affects postpartum cow BW, colostrum composition, milk production and composition, protein catabolism in the dam, and calf growth. Crossbred Hereford heifers were individually fed a control treatment designed to meet MP requirements (CON; n = 10) or 133% of the MP requirement (HMP; n = 11) from day -55 ± 4 until parturition. All cows were provided a common postpartum diet. Cow BW was measured on days 7 ± 1, 14 ± 2, 28 ± 3, 57 ± 4, 82 ± 5, and 111 ± 3 relative to parturition. DMI and ruminal pH were measured daily and summarized by week until day 33. Milk yield was estimated based on a 12-h two-quarter milk yield on days 7 ± 1, 12 ± 1, 28 ± 3, 33 ± 3, 70 ± 3, and 112 ± 3. Urine samples were collected from cows over a 6-d period starting on days 7 ± 1 and 28 ± 3 and the composited samples were analyzed for 3-methylhistidine (3-MH) and creatinine. Muscle samples were collected from cows on day 13 ± 1 while calf muscle samples were collected on days 2 and 111 ± 3 of age. Muscle samples from cows were analyzed for markers of protein catabolism, and calf muscle samples were analyzed for genes regulating cell growth and differentiation. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using the MIXED procedure of SAS accounting for repeated measures when necessary. Postpartum BW did not differ (P ≥ 0.30) by treatment, day, or the interaction of treatment and day (T × D), but rump fat decreased (P = 0.011) as lactation progressed. DMI decreased during weeks 2 and 3 compared to 1 and 4, whereas ruminal pH was less during weeks 2, 3, and 4 relative to week 1. Colostrum fat concentration was less (P = 0.003) for HMP than CON; but, milk production was not affected by treatment. Milk yield was greatest from days 7 to 33 and decreased thereafter (P < 0.01). Urinary 3-MH and the 3-MH:creatinine ratio did not differ by treatment, day, or the T × D (P ≥ 0.22) interaction, nor was there a difference (P ≥ 0.13) in the abundance of catabolic proteins. Calf growth was not affected by treatment, but HMP calves had greater expression (T × D, P = 0.05) of PPARG while PKM expression increased for CON calves (T × D, P = 0.04) at day 111 compared to their expression at day 2. Overfeeding MP during late gestation does not improve postpartum indicators of N balance or maternal muscle turnover but may alter colostrum composition and calf gene expression at weaning.

Structural characterization of novel milk oligosaccharide Aurose from cow colostrum

Mammalian milk and colostrum contain essential components for the nutrition and health of the suckling neonate. In present day, the biological value of bovine colostrum shows an antibacterial effect and therapeutic effect for various chronic infections like bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal. With a view to isolate biologically active novel milk oligosaccharide, cow colostrum was taken and processed by modified method of Kobata and Ginsberg leading to isolation of oligosaccharide mixture which on gel filtration, HPLC, chemical transformation, chemical degradation and column chromatography delivered a novel oligosaccharide Aurose. Structure of this novel milk oligosaccharide was elucidated on the basis of result obtained from 1D NMR (1H and 13C), 2D NMR (HSQC, COSY, TOCSY and HMBC), ES-Mass spectrometry and Structure Reporter Group theory. This is the first reported at any milk oligosaccharide containing an ester function (p-methoxy benzoate). This unusual novel trisaccharide was obtained for the first time from any colostrum. The structure of novel trisaccharide was deduced as [Display omitted]

Bovine Neonatal Pancytopenia-Associated Alloantibodies Recognize Individual Bovine Leukocyte Antigen 1 Alleles.

Bovine neonatal pancytopenia (BNP) was a vaccine-induced alloimmune disease observed in young calves and characterized by hemorrhages, pancytopenia, and severe destruction of the hematopoietic tissues. BNP was induced by alloreactive maternal antibodies present in the colostrum of certain cows vaccinated with a highly adjuvanted vaccine against bovine viral diarrhea. Bioprocess impurities, originating from the production cell line of the vaccine, are likely to have induced these alloreactive antibodies. One prominent alloantigen recognized by vaccine-induced alloantibodies is highly polymorphic bovine major histocompatibility complex class I antigen (bovine leukocyte antigen 1—BoLA I). Aim of this study was to define the fine specificity of BNP-associated anti-BoLA I alloantibodies. In total, eight different BoLA I alleles from the production cell line were identified. All genes were cloned and recombinantly expressed in murine cell lines. Using these cells in a flow cytometric assay, the presence of BoLA I specific alloantibodies in BNP dam sera was proven. Three BoLA I variants were identified that accounted for the majority of vaccine-induced BoLA I reactivity. By comparing the sequence of immunogenic to non-immunogenic BoLA I variants probable minimal epitopes on BoLA I were identified. In general, dams of BNP calves displayed high levels of BoLA I reactive alloantibodies, while vaccinated cows delivering healthy calves had significantly lower alloantibody titers. We identified a subgroup of vaccinated cows with healthy calves displaying very high alloantibody titers. Between these cows and BNP dams no principle difference in the BoLA I reactivity pattern was observed. However, with a limited set of dam-calf pairs it could be demonstrated that serum from these cows did not bind to BoLA I expressing leukocytes of their offspring. By contrast, when testing cells from surviving BNP calves with the corresponding dam’s serum there was significant binding. We therefore conclude that predominantly highly alloreactive cows are at risk to induce BNP and it depends on the paternally inherited BoLA I whether or not the calf develops BNP.

Changes in the content of immunostimulating components of colostrum obtained from dairy cows at different levels of production.

Recent data indicate that almost 60% of colostrum samples do not have enough antibodies to provide adequate protection for the calf. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of the level of production of cows on the content of immunostimulating components of protein fraction of colostrum. The observations were conducted on two farms that keep dairy cows. One of the farms was selected to represent a typical performance level for the mass population of dairy cows in Poland, about 5500 kg of milk per cow per year (LI) and the second one was characterized by a higher level of production, about 8000 kg (HI). Based on the data obtained, 100% of the samples collected from LI had an immunoglobulin G (IgG) content >50 gL-1 , in the first collection. In the case of HI, 63% of the samples had an IgG content >50 gL-1 , with a distribution in the range of 10.7 to 72.7 gL-1 . The colostrum of LI cows was characterized by a higher content of lactoferrin, lysozyme, α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin compared to the milk of HI cows. The immunostimulating components of colostrum declined rapidly in subsequent milkings or with the increased productivity of the cows. The concentration of IgG was negatively correlated with the performance level of cows, which means that high-producing cows had colostrum with a low concentration of IgG. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Application of transmission infrared spectroscopy and partial least squares regression to predict immunoglobulin G concentration in dairy and beef cow colostrum.

The objective of this study was to explore the potential of transmission infrared (TIR) spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares regression (PLSR) for quantification of dairy and beef cow colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and assessment of colostrum quality. A total of 430 colostrum samples were collected from dairy (n = 235) and beef (n = 195) cows and tested by a radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay and TIR spectroscopy. Colostral IgG concentrations obtained by the RID assay were linked to the preprocessed spectra and divided into combined and prediction data sets. Three PLSR calibration models were built: one for the dairy cow colostrum only, the second for beef cow colostrum only, and the third for the merged dairy and beef cow colostrum. The predictive performance of each model was evaluated separately using the independent prediction data set. The Pearson correlation coefficients between IgG concentrations as determined by the TIR-based assay and the RID assay were 0.84 for dairy cow colostrum, 0.88 for beef cow colostrum, and 0.92 for the merged set of dairy and beef cow colostrum. The average of the differences between colostral IgG concentrations obtained by the RID- and TIR-based assays were -3.5, 2.7, and 1.4 g/L for dairy, beef, and merged colostrum samples, respectively. Further, the average relative error of the colostral IgG predicted by the TIR spectroscopy from the RID assay was 5% for dairy cow, 1.2% for beef cow, and 0.8% for the merged data set. The average intra-assay CV% of the IgG concentration predicted by the TIR-based method were 3.2%, 2.5%, and 6.9% for dairy cow, beef cow, and merged data set, respectively.The utility of TIR method for assessment of colostrum quality was evaluated using the entire data set and showed that TIR spectroscopy accurately identified the quality status of 91% of dairy cow colostrum, 95% of beef cow colostrum, and 89% and 93% of the merged dairy and beef cow colostrum samples, respectively. The results showed that TIR spectroscopy demonstrates potential as a simple, rapid, and cost-efficient method for use as an estimate of IgG concentration in dairy and beef cow colostrum samples and assessment of colostrum quality. The results also showed that merging the dairy and beef cow colostrum sample data sets improved the predictive ability of the TIR spectroscopy.

Effect of colostrum composition on passive calf immunity in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of colostrum quality and composition on passive calf immunity in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows. Twenty-four primiparous and 24 multiparous dairy cows were used in this study. Calves born from primiparous dairy cows comprised the first group and calves born from multiparous dairy cows constituted the second group. After birth, colostrum samples were immediately taken from dairy cows. Venous blood samples were collected from the calves before the first colostrum intake and on the 2&lt;sup&gt;nd&lt;/sup&gt;, 7&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, 14&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; and 28&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; days after the first colostrum intake. Blood and colostrum samples were analysed for biochemical parameters, immunoglobulin and mineral levels. Fat and crude protein levels in colostrum were determined using the Gerber and Kjeldahl methods, respectively. Immunoglobulin levels in the colostrum of multiparous cows were significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher compared to primiparous cows while fat ratio, LDH activity, Ca, Mg, P and K levels were lower. There was a positive correlation among colostrum immunoglobulin, gamma-glutamyltransferase, crude protein and total protein. Serum immunoglobulin, total protein, globulin and gamma-glutamyltransferase activity in all calves were increased following the colostrum feeding. However, the serum immunoglobulin, total protein, globulin and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels in the second group of calves were higher than those of the first group of calves. There was a positive correlation among serum immunoglobulin, gamma-glutamyltransferase, globulin and total protein. Fe concentrations in all calves decreased over the course of 14 days and were lower in the second group of calves compared to the first group. In conclusion, the results of this study show that the colostrum quality of multiparous cows was better than that of primiparous cows. Colostrum crude protein, total protein, gamma-glutamyltransferase along with colostrum immunoglobulin might be used to determine colostrum quality. Serum immunoglobulin, total protein, globulin and gamma-glutamyltransferase activities could be used to determine the passive transfer status of calves.

Factors Associated with Colostrum Quality and Effects on Serum Gamma Globulin Concentrations of Calves in Swiss Dairy Herds

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown a high prevalence of failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) in Swiss dairy calves.ObjectivesTo investigate risk factors associated with poor colostrum quality and FPT on Swiss dairy farms.AnimalsColostrum and serum samples from 373 dam‐calf pairs at 141 farms.MethodsThe gamma globulin (Gg) concentrations of the dams’ colostrum and the calves’ serum samples were determined by electrophoresis. Potential risk factors were assessed by logistic regression of questionnaire data.ResultsPrevalence values of 15.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.0–19.6%) for low‐quality colostrum (<50 g Gg/L) in cows and 43.5% (95% CI, 38.4–48.8%) for FPT (serum Gg < 10 g/L) in calves were estimated. The main factors associated with low colostrum quality included colostrum leakage before or during parturition and a time lag > 6 hours between parturition and first milking. The results confirm that the occurrence of FPT in calves primarily was influenced by the quality of colostrum, the amount of ingested colostrum, and the time between birth and first feeding.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThese results confirm a large potential for improvement in colostrum harvesting and colostrum feeding procedures in the study herds. Control for colostrum leaking intra‐partum, early colostrum milking, and ensuring that the calves ingest a sufficient volume of colostrum within the first hours of life are measures that can be readily implemented by farmers to decrease the incidence of FPT without additional workload.

Screening and optimization of β -glucosidase producing newly isolated Lactobacillus plantarum strain LSP-24 from colostrum milk

Abstract Colostrum milk is widely used as a nutritional supplement and is also a rich source of enzyme β -glucosidase, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of alkyl, aryl β -glucosides, as well as diglucosides and oligosaccharides and potentiality of this enzyme is implemented in different industrial processes, such as production of biofuels, winemaking, and development of functional foods. In the present study, we have isolated 28 bacterial strains (LSP-1 to 28) from the cow colostrum milk. These strains were tested for intracellular β -glucosidase producing ability and further analyzed for β -glucosidase activity by using substrate p -nitrophenyl ( p NP) and p NP- β -D-glucopyranoside ( p NP β Glc). LSP-24 strain showed the maximum β -glucosidase activity which was further identified as Lactobacillus plantarum strain LSP-24 based on its colony morphology, biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Optimum conditions for β -glucosidase production were determined using different biophysical and biochemical parameters was found to be at 37 °C, pH-6.5 after 48 h of incubation and 0.1% inoculums size in the MRS medium. Additionally, maltose, tryptone, MnSO 4 ·7H 2 O ion, propanol-I, 0.2% NaCl and alanine increased the activity of an enzyme. The results of the present study showed that β -glucosidase producing Lactobacillus plantarum strain LSP-24 was the first characteristic property of an intracellular β -glucosidase isolated from colostrum milk. This can contribute its β -glucosidase producing ability for the betterment of industrial processes like, liberating flavors, aromas and isoflavone aglycons for the synthesis of oligosaccharides and alkylglycosides as well as a great potential to be used in the biotechnological application.