Amount Of Colostrum Research Articles

Absorption of colostral immunoglobulin G by Icelandic dairy calves

Serum samples were taken from 11 Icelandic dairy calves, at birth and 24 hours later, and 11 colostrum samples were taken from their mothers with the concentration of IgG measured by ELISA. The amount of colostrum ingested by each calf was also measured. The results showed that the mean concentration of IgG in cow colostrum at birth was 11.54 mg ml-1. The mean concentration in the serum of calves that had ingested known quantities of colostrum was 8.02 mg ml-1 24 hours postpartum. Both values were lower than described in other cattle breeds. Significant correlation existed between the amount of colostral IgG consumed and serum concentration of IgG in the calves 24 hours postpartum. The mean apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) was 43%, which is high compared to other studies. Although the study group was small, the results give an indication of the ability of Icelandic calves to absorb colostral IgG.

Importance of the colostrum period in the infectious diseases’ prophylaxis in newborn calves

An important period in the development of immunity and effective protection against calf diseases is the colostrum period, when the transfer of passive immunity from cow to calf occurs. Diseases of calves can be prevented from the first hours of life, by absorbing as much immunoglobulin as possible from the colostrum. This study examines the role played by calf health management during the first three days post calving in its susceptibility to infection and the effect on future production performance. Studies and scientific communications were reviewed in order to collect information on the prevention of calf pathology by passive transfer of immunoglobulins from colostrum in the first hours after calving. The amount of colostrum at the first meal, the Brix value of the colostrum, and the time when the newborn calves received the first colostrum influence the transfer of passive immunity, the incidence/severity of the pathology developed, and the productive performance of the farm (reduction of slaughter rate, reduction of age at first calving, increasing milk production performance). All dairy farms must implement a colostrum management protocol to ensure that the newborn calf has assimilated sufficient antibodies during the colostrum period. This study is based on research carried out within the DISARM project which received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 817591.

Isolation and antibiogram of Escherichia coli O157: H7 from diarrhoeic calves in urban and peri‐urban dairy farms of Hawassa town

BackgroundCalf diarrhoea is the most serious issue in the livestock industry, resulting in significant financial losses.MethodsA study was undertaken in 32 urban and peri‐urban dairy farms of Hawassa town to isolate E. coli from diarrhoeic calves, assess associated putative factors related to the occurrence, and the evaluate antibacterial susceptibility patterns of isolates. A convenience sampling technique was performed for the selection of these dairy farms and calf samples. A total of 68 faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of diarrhoeic calves. The faecal samples were confirmed as E. coli O157: H7 positive using the latex agglutination test.ResultsIn this study, 47(69.1%) samples were positive for E. coli, of which 22 (46.8%) were identified as E. coli O157:H7 strains based on their latex agglutination character. Factors such as frequency of calf house cleaning, type of supplement provided, and method of colostrum feeding were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with calf diarrhoea, while the other risk factors had no significant association. Antibiogram of E. coli O157:H7 isolates showed that the isolates were highly sensitive to gentamycin, ceftriaxone, trimethoprim‐sulphamethoxazole, and ciprofloxacin and were found to be resistant to tetracycline, kanamycin and amoxicillin.ConclusionOur findings revealed that calf diarrhoea is still a major health problem of calves in the study area. Hence, improved calf and farm management practice, an ad libitum quantity of colostrum, and good farm hygienic practices should be ensured. This study also revealed that some antibiotic‐resistant E. coli O157:H7 isolates need to be further investigated for their public health implications.

Management-related factors in dry cows and their associations with colostrum quantity and quality on a large commercial dairy farm

The objective of this observational study was to evaluate the association of management-related factors in dry cows and colostrum quantity and quality in Holstein cows on a large commercial dairy farm. This study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020 on a commercial dairy farm in Germany, milking approximately 2,500 Holstein cows. Dairy personnel recorded colostrum quantity (n = 7,567) and evaluated colostrum quality in a subsample of animals (n = 2,600) using a digital Brix refractometer. Generalized linear mixed models were constructed to evaluate the association of management-related factors and colostrum quantity and quality. Models were run separately for primiparous or multiparous cows. The outcome variable was either colostrum quantity (kg) or quality (%Brix). Average colostrum quantity was 4.0 ± 2.5 kg, 5.1 ± 3.4 kg, and 5.5 ± 3.5 kg for cows in lactation 1, 2, and ≥3, respectively. In primiparous cows (n = 2,351), colostrum quantity was affected by month of calving (greatest in April = 4.1 kg, and lowest in November = 3.2 kg), sex of the calf (female singleton = 3.50 ± 0.26 kg; male singleton = 3.76 ± 0.27 kg; twins = 2.97 ± 0.66 kg), stillbirth (stillbirth = 3.14 ± 0.39 kg; no stillbirth = 3.68 ± 0.31 kg). In multiparous cows (n = 5,216), colostrum quantity was affected by month of calving (greatest in May = 5.5 kg, and lowest in October = 3.8 kg), calving ease (calving ease 0 = 4.23 ± 0.26 kg; score 1 = 4.77 ± 0.21 kg; score 2 = 4.98 ± 0.22 kg; score 3 = 5.30 ± 0.22 kg), sex of the calf (female singleton = 4.42 ± 0.21 kg; male singleton = 5.00 ± 0.21 kg; twins = 5.03 ± 0.30 kg), stillbirth (stillbirth = 4.24 ± 0.38 kg; no stillbirth = 5.39 ± 0.11 kg), milk yield in previous lactation (+0.1 kg increase for 1,000 kg more milk yield in previous lactation), days spent in the far-off group (0.05 ± 0.003 kg for every day), and days in the close-up pen (0.06 ± 0.010 kg for every day). Average colostrum quality was 25.1 ± 3.4% Brix, 24.7 ± 3.3% Brix, and 27.6 ± 4.4% Brix for cows in lactation 1, 2, and ≥3, respectively. In primiparous cows (n = 817), colostrum quality was affected only by month of calving. Colostrum quality in primiparous cows was greatest in December (26.8%Brix) and lowest in August (23.9% Brix). In multiparous cows (n = 1,783), colostrum quality was affected by parity (lactation 2 = 25.2 ± 2.7% Brix; lactation 3+ = 27.9 ± 2.7%Brix), month of calving (greatest in February = 27.5% Brix, and lowest in August = 25.7% Brix), milk yield in previous lactation, and colostrum quantity. We observed a seasonal pattern for colostrum quantity and quality. Future intervention studies using multiple farms need to elucidate whether management of the photoperiod or length of exposure to close-up diets, or both, can help to optimize colostrum production.

Supplementing lycopene combined with corn improves circulating IgG concentration in pregnant ewes and their lambs.

Lycopene (C40H56, a non-provitamin A carotenoid) is a lipid-soluble pigment and a natural antioxidant with immunomodulatory activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of lycopene with or without corn supplementation on circulating hormones, white blood cells, immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations, quality of colostrum in pregnant ewes, and IgG concentrations in newborn lambs. Forty multiparous single-bearing ewes (68 ± 8.4kg body weight, mean ± SD) were fed in four groups of CONTROL (fed a basal diet (BD)), CORN (BD + 300g/day corn), LYCOP(BD + 100mg/day lycopene), and LYCORN (BD + 300g/day corn + 100mg/day lycopene). The quantity and chemical composition of colostrum were determined. Blood samples were taken from ewes right after lambing and from lambs at 3 and 24h of age. Results showed that corn supplementation increased (P < 0.05) udder volume, the quantity of colostrum, as well as percentage of lactose, and protein in colostrum. Corn-supplemented ewes had higher circulating glucose, prolactin, and estradiol but lower urea and progesterone than control ewes. The ratio of progesterone to estradiol (P4/E2) in the blood of pregnant ewes decreased (P < 0.05) after corn supplementation. Lycopene, irrespective of corn, increased the percentage of lymphocyte cells in pregnant ewes. Both corn and lycopene increased circulating IgG concentrations and subsequently increased the total IgG in colostrum at 6h post-partum. Lycopene significantly elevated the circulating IgG at 24h of age in lambs. In conclusion, lycopene along with corn supplementation additively increased concentrations of IgG in the blood of ewes and in the colostrum, which resulted in an enhancement of passive immune transfer to the newborn lambs.

The impact of elective caesarean section on colostrum characteristics in double-muscled Belgian Blue cows

Identification of factors associated with the quality and quantity of colostrum production has always been a major challenge in cattle industry. In purebred double-muscled Belgian Blue (BB) cows, parturition is mainly performed by elective caesarean section (CS; >90%). However, the CS itself may influence colostrum production characteristics. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal and newborn calf factors and the duration of the procedure of CS on the quality and quantity of colostrum production in BB cows. The dataset includes 551 records of cow-calf pairs that were presented for an elective CS at the Ghent University veterinary clinic between 2017 and 2019. The quality (measured via a colostrum densimeter) and the quantity (measured via a standard volume scale) of colostrum were measured within 30 min after the end of the CS. Fixed effects were fitted in mixed linear regression models to test for their potential association with colostrum quality (specific gravity; SG) and quantity (liters), and generalized mixed-effects models were constructed to test the associations of fixed effects with the optimal colostrum production index (yes vs no) based on an adequate supply of both colostrum quality and quantity. The fixed effects tested were parity, the gender of the calf, birth weight, duration of CS (min), and season of birth. Our results show that parity (primiparity), duration of CS (longer CS), and calving season (summer) had a significantly negative impact on colostrum production. Concluding, both colostrum quality and quantity can be influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors (including duration of CS), which should be considered while feeding newborn calves delivered via CS.

Impact of a Ration Negative in Dietary Cation-Anion Difference and Varying Calcium Supply Fed before Calving on Colostrum Quality of the Dams and Health Status and Growth Performance of the Calves.

Simple SummaryWe fed diets with low and high levels of calcium or a negative dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) to dairy cows before calving and compared their colostrum quality and the health and growth performance of their calves. There were no differences in birth weight and colostrum quantity and composition among groups. However, calves born to cows fed a diet with a negative DCAD had lower body weight and higher prevalence for diarrhea before weaning. The level of Ca in the diet of the dams before calving had no impact on the body weight, feed intake, and health of the calves.This study investigated the effect of diets negative in dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) or restricted in Ca fed prepartum to dairy cows for three weeks on colostrum yield and composition, and the health and growth performance of their calves. Thirty-six pregnant non-lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to three isoenergetic diets: (1) low Ca: 0.24% Ca, DCAD: +86 mEq/kg; (2) high Ca: 1.23% Ca, DCAD: +95 mEq/kg; and (3) low DCAD: 1.28% Ca, DCAD: −115 mEq/kg (all dry matter (DM) basis). While colostrum quality was not affected, low Ca supply prepartum tended to increase the colostrum yield compared to high Ca (low Ca = 8.81 vs. high Ca = 5.39 kg). However, calves from cows fed low DCAD showed higher serum concentrations of K, lower body weight (BW), starter feed intake and average daily weight gain before weaning compared to low Ca and high Ca calves (53.12 vs. 57.68 and 57.32 kg) but BW was similar postweaning (d 70). In addition, calves from dams fed low DCAD were more likely to develop diarrhea and had increased number of days with abnormal fecal scores. Consequently, calves from low DCAD dams had to be treated more frequently.

Passive immunity and colostrum management practices on Ontario dairy farms and auction facilities: A cross-sectional study

Failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in dairy calves has substantial health consequences, but there have been no recently published estimates of the prevalence of FTPI on Ontario dairy farms. The major objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the level of FTPI in dairy calves across the province of Ontario and to determine colostrum management practices used. A convenience sample of 109 dairy farms in Ontario were visited from June to August 2019, along with 4 auction facilities from January to February 2019. At the single visit to each dairy farm, an in-person questionnaire was administered, and all calves between 24 h and 9 d of age had a blood sample collected to determine the levels of serum total protein (STP). At the auction facility, a blood sample was collected on all calves that arrived on the day of the visit. The dairy farms were distributed throughout Ontario, and the farms milked on average 151 dairy cows. Of the 444 calves sampled on Ontario dairy farms, 46% were male, 54% were female, and the mean weight and age at sampling were 46.3 kg and 4.4 d, respectively. The mean STP of calves sampled on the dairy farm was 5.69 g/dL (standard deviation = 0.78), and 107 calves (24%) had FTPI. The likelihood of FTPI was not associated with sex (female vs. male, risk ratio = 0.89, 95% confidence interval = 0.64-1.24), age (per day, risk ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 0.94-1.11), or weight (per kg, risk ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval = 0.96-1.01). In contrast, at the auction facilities, 386 male dairy calves were sampled and had a mean STP of 5.79 g/dL (standard deviation = 0.83). Using a cut point of ≥5.2 g/dL, 91 calves (24%) had FTPI. From the in-person questionnaire administered on the dairy farms, it was reported that the median time to first feeding of colostrum was 2.5 h (range = 0-12 h). The farms reported providing a mean of 3.3, 2.9, and 3.4 L of colostrum from 0 to 6 h after birth, 6 to 12 h after birth, and 12 to 24 h after birth, respectively. Ninety-one farms (83%) fed colostrum from the dam of the calf as their predominant source of colostrum. The most common method used to deliver the first feeding of colostrum was a nipple bottle (89 farms, 82%). Twenty-seven farms (25%) reported managing colostrum differently for male calves, which included a different colostrum source, use of poorer quality colostrum, a smaller quantity of colostrum, a longer time from birth to feeding, and generally having a lower focus on colostrum management for male calves. The prevalence of FTPI on Ontario dairy farms appears to have decreased since previous estimates, and substantial room for improvement remains. Although no overall differences were found in FTPI between male and female calves, differential reported colostrum management by sex indicates this may be a risk for male calves on a proportion of Ontario dairy farms.

Welfare assessment of calf rearing management practices in family-based dairy units in rural areas of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh

Background: Dairy calves are the future stock of the dairy farms. It is important to describe weaknesses in rearing calves not only to improve their welfare, but also to detect areas where current scientific knowledge is poorly integrated into practice. The aim of the present study was to gather information on calf rearing management practices followed by dairy owners, which are related to welfare. Methods: A survey of calf rearing practices was conducted using a farmer questionnaire to collect data. The survey included 140 family-based small dairy units in seven upazilas of Mymensingh district, Bangladesh. The frequency and percentage of the response were described. Results: We observed that all respondents attended their animals during calving and 82.14% respondents allowed cow to clean the calves immediately after calving. Only 13.57% farmers cleaned the mouth and nose of calf after birth. More than 85.0% owners cleaned and trimmed hooves of the calf after birth. More than 90%% respondents did not cut the naval cord of calf and apply antiseptic. More than half of the owners (54.28%) fed colostrum to calves when the animals were able to stand on their feet and only 37.14% of them fed colostrum within one hour of birth. About 44.28% respondents allowed ad lib quantity of colostrum to calf. It was found that 73.57% of the owners allowed suckling of calf until 3 to 6 month of age. Most of the owners (55.0%) allowed the calves to suckle all the quarter of udder before and after milking. None practiced castration and dehorning for male calves. Majority (97.14%) of farmers did not perform deworming and vaccination schedule of calves. Conclusion: This study identified a number of rearing practices that represent a poor welfare for calf, which may prone towards diseases and hampering the productivity. Therefore, in addition to the traditional practices, scientific knowledge for this aspect is also important to get superior animals for future.

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.

Effect of farm and birth season on calf body weight in the first week of life

The body weight of calves in the earliest period of their life (age from 0 to 7 days) is under the greatest influence of the farm and the season of birth. The farm manifests its influence most often through the conditions of nutrition and housing and the organization of the technological production process, while the influence of the birth season is manifested through microclimatic and nutritional conditions, as well. The most common deficiencies related to the nutrition of newborn calves are related to: inadequate colostrum supply in terms of quality, quantity and time of colostrum intake, which is closely related to the organization of the technological production process on the farm. Dietary deficiencies affect the body weight of calves at birth and at 8 days of age. In a study conducted over a year (4 seasons), the colostrum diet of newborn calves of the HF breed on two farms (A and B) with a tied housing system was analyzed. Calves were fed colostrum on both farms at intervals, usually up to 2 hours, less often up to 4 hours after birth. The colostrum consumed came from the mother, most often, and less often from the other cow, while on one of the farms it was also used frozen. However, the amount of colostrum consumed was deficient, it was 1-2 l on farm A, and 2.5 to 3 l on farm B. The occurence of a deficient diet or other deficiencies in the diet of calves was indicated by the average body weight, measured at birth and at the age of 8 days. On farm A, a lower average body weight of calves (37.95 and 39.68 kg) was recorded than on farm B (40.00 and 41.80 kg) by age categories, respectively. The average body weight of calves was statistically significantly (p &lt;0.01) influenced by the farm and the season of birth, as well as their mutual interaction, but the effect of the farm was more pronounced.

The effectiveness of the use of drugs Globigen Pig Dozer and Globigen Jump Start when growing pigs

Currently, humanity owes great thanks to nature before the protection that nature has created is to protect the newborn. A person is born not sterile, but with protective appropriate antibodies transmitted from the mother. Antibodies, in the human body, have the ability to penetrate the placenta, and with blood flow, to be transmitted with maternal colostrum and milk. Unfortunately, not all living things have this advantage. Pigs are born sterile unless they are infected with viruses and toxins that have the ability to penetrate the placenta. In this case, they are sterile and defenseless, the whole environment is dangerous for them, and in this case there is no immunity and inevitable death. Therefore, after birth, the pigs themselves, or with the help of a sow that pushes them to the nipples with a snout, or an operator who receives farrowing, as soon as they try to drink precious colostrum, which loses its protective capacity every hour. The sow's colostrum contains not only nutritional, energy components, but also a more important component – Immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins contained in colostrum provide piglets with passive immunity, but not all. Why? This is because the farrow is usually stretched or pathological. Pigs are born unevenly, so they eat colostrum differently. The last piglets, at birth, get the least amount of colostrum, or not enough at all. In addition, the quality of colostrum and the amount of immunoglobulins depend on the sow's age, the number of farrowing, whether the sows are vaccinated before farrowing, and the presence of viral pathogens and their vaccination. A good practice for pigs in the world, as well as in Ukraine, is the use of the Globigen Pig Dozer, which is given to the pigs orally to increase passive immunity and provide protection against viruses and bacteria.

PENGELUARAN KOLOSTRUM DENGAN PEMBERIAN PERAWATAN PAYUDARA DAN ENDORPHIN MASSAGE PADA IBU POST SEKSIO SESAREA

Spending colostrum in post-cesarean section mothers is difficult in the first week postpartum. Efforts to overcome colostrum disruption can use non-pharmacological methods, namely breast care and endorphin massage. This study aims to determine the expenditure of colostrum by giving breast care and endorphin massage to post-cesarean mothers. This research is a quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent design posttest control group design. This research was carried out in the midwifery room of the second floor of Grand Medistra Lubuk Pakam Hospital during the June-July 2019 period. There were 48 participants selected using purposive sampling, with 18 assigned in breast care, endorphin massage and combination of breast care and endorphin massage. The time of spending colostrum expenditure is assessed every day while the amount of colostrum expenditure is assessed after intervening. Analysis of the data used is one-way Annova. The results showed that the combination of breast care and endorphin massage was the most effective action in the time of spending colostrum and the amount of colostrum with a value of p = 0,000. The combination of breast care and endorphin massage could be applied as an alternative therapy post-cesarean mothers&#x0D; &#x0D;

Evaluation of 2 different treatment procedures after calving to improve harvesting of high-quantity and high-quality colostrum

The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 different treatment procedures at the first milking after calving to increase colostrum quantity and to improve colostrum quality in dairy cows. We hypothesized that either exogenous treatment with oxytocin or the presence of the calf at first milking would lead to higher colostrum quantity and higher IgG concentration. The study was conducted from October to December 2017 on a commercial dairy farm in Germany. A total of 567 cows at the time of calving were enrolled, but for the final analyses only 521 animals were considered. The cows were randomly assigned on a daily basis into 1 of 3 groups: (1) control group (n = 177), (2) application of 20 IU of oxytocin i.m. (OXY; n = 163), and (3) presence of the calf (CA; n = 181) before and during milking. Cows in the control and oxytocin group had no contact with their calves after calving and were milked in a separate milking parlor. Cows in the oxytocin group were injected with 20 IU of oxytocin i.m. 3 min before manual stimulation. For cows in the third group, the calf was placed into a calf cart and located in front of the cow 3 min before manipulation of the cow. Colostrum quantity was determined by a digital hanging scale. The colostrum quality was assessed with digital Brix refractometry and ELISA. To evaluate the effect of 2 different treatment procedures, a generalized linear mixed model was constructed using SPSS (SPSS Inc., IBM, Ehningen, Germany). The mean (±SE) colostrum quantity was 4.17 ± 0.30 kg. The treatment procedures and the harvesting time after calving had no effect on colostrum quantity. Parity, calf birth weight, and calving time affected colostrum quantity. Cows in second parity had the lowest quantity of colostrum (3.74 ± 0.37 kg) compared with cows in parity 1 (4.75 ± 0.34 kg) and cows in parity 3 or greater (4.75 ± 0.38 kg). Cows calving during the night (2200 until 0600 h; 4.93 ± 0.37 kg) had the highest quantity of colostrum compared with cows calving in the morning (0600 until 1400 h; 4.17 ± 0.38 kg) or afternoon (1400 until 2200 h; 4.14 ± 0.34 kg). Regarding colostrum quality, 48% of the colostrum samples contained ≥50 mg of IgG/mL. The mean IgG concentration was 54.6 ± 2.80 mg of IgG/mL. Colostrum quality was affected by the treatment procedures, colostrum quantity, parity, calving time, harvesting time after calving, and the calving day during the week. Both treatment procedures (i.e., OXY with mean IgG concentration results of 57.0 mg of IgG/mL and CA with 56.0 mg of IgG/mL) resulted in higher IgG concentrations in colostrum compared with the control group (50.7 mg of IgG/mL). With increasing colostrum quantity, the colostrum quality decreased in primiparous and multiparous cows. A longer time lag between calving and milking negatively affected the colostrum quality. Concentration of IgG was higher for cows in parity 3 or greater (64.6 ± 2.59 mg of IgG/mL) compared with cows in parity 1 (48.5 ± 2.86 mg of IgG/mL) and cows in parity 2 (50.7 ± 2.89 mg of IgG/mL). Cows calving during the night had greater IgG concentrations (60.4 ± 2.92 mg of IgG/mL) compared with cows calving in the morning (51.9 ± 2.98 mg of IgG/mL) or afternoon (51.3 ± 2.71 mg of IgG/mL). Harvesting colostrum on quieter days, such as Sundays, resulted in higher IgG concentrations (61.4 ± 3.70 mg of IgG/mL). The assessment by Brix refractometry resulted in a mean result of 26.0 ± 0.20% Brix. Treatment procedures and the harvesting time after calving had no effect on colostrum quality. A negative association was observed between colostrum quantity and quality in primiparous and multiparous cows determined by Brix refractometry. Brix readings were greater for cows in parity 3 or higher (27.7 ± 0.26% Brix) compared with cows in parity 1 (25.3 ± 0.30% Brix) and cows in parity 2 (25.0 ± 0.32% Brix). In conclusion, the treatment procedure for the first milking is irrelevant to improve the quantity of colostrum. Both treatment procedures, however, increased IgG concentrations as determined by ELISA.

Short communication: Effect of barn climate and management-related factors on bovine colostrum quality

Several factors have been reported to influence colostrum quality (immunoglobulin concentration). To date, knowledge of the influence of climatic factors in association with other potential influencing factors on colostrum quality is scarce. Associated influential factors are parity, body condition score, length of dry period, ration fed ante partum (AP), β-hydroxybutyrate postpartum (PP), milk yield, milk fat and protein, as well as somatic cell counts from previous and current lactation. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of barn climate and the aforementioned factors on colostrum quality. Data were collected from 1,381 multiparous Holstein Friesian cows kept on one dairy farm over a period of one year (August 2014 to August 2015). Colostrum was harvested on farm within 1 h PP. The quantity and quality of first colostrum (estimated by Brix refractometry) were recorded for each cow. Additional data recorded were parity, body condition score at drying off, length of dry period, ration fed AP, milk yield data from previous and current lactation, milk somatic cell counts, and β-hydroxybutyrate PP. During the study period, temperature and humidity were recorded in the barn every hour, and temperature-humidity-index (THI) was calculated. Linear regression was performed with colostrum quality as the dependent variable. In the final model, colostrum quantity (L), length of dry period, parity, and climatic factors (specifically, median humidity in the 3rd week AP and hours with THI ≥72 in the last 14 and 21 d AP, respectively) were significant. Colostrum quality improved with parity and length of dry period and decreased with colostrum quantity, humidity, and hours with a THI ≥72. A classification and regression tree analysis revealed that colostrum quantity was the most important factor in this model [normalized importance (NI) 100%]. Parity (NI 42.7%), length of dry period (NI 37.1%), and climatic factors (NI 0.4 to 1.9%) followed with decreasing importance. These results indicate that the most important factors for colostrum quality (i.e., colostrum quantity and parity) may not be influenced by management. The 2 factors that can be influenced by management [i.e., length of dry period and THI (e.g., by cooling)], were quantitatively of minor importance compared with the other 2 factors. Further studies are necessary to determine whether changing these factors can improve colostrum quality significantly.

Rapid Communication: Genome-wide association analyses identify loci associated with colostrum production in Jersey cattle1.

Consumption of an adequate volume of high-quality colostrum soon after birth is critical for a calf's health. Few studies have focused on the genetics associated with colostrum production, even though several dairy herds in the United States have reported incidents of low to no colostrum production during the fall and winter seasons. The objectives of this study were to identify loci associated with quantity and quality of colostrum production in a herd of Jersey cattle (n = 345) and to identify potential positional candidate genes and/or transcription factor binding site motifs located near associated loci. Cattle that freshened between the months of October and December of 2016 at a single dairy were enrolled in the study and produced on average 3.03 kg of colostrum at their first milking. This study included 112 cattle genotyped with the GeneSeek GGP50k BeadChip and another 233 cattle previously genotyped with various other arrays. The 233 cattle genotyped at lower densities were imputed to the GGP50k BeadChip density using BEAGLE 4.1.1, and 2 genome-wide association analyses (GWAA) were conducted using an additive efficient mixed-model association expedited method with a genomic relationship matrix (EMMAX-GRM). The first GWAA investigated loci associated with colostrum quantity and identified 7 loci: 6 that were moderately associated (5 × 10-07 > P < 1 × 10-05) and 1 that was strongly associated (P < 5 × 10-07). The second GWAA investigated colostrum quality and identified 1 moderately (5 × 10-07 > P < 1 × 10-05) associated locus. Five loci harbored positional candidate genes which had functional relevance to colostrum production, and 1 locus located on BTA10 contained a transcription factor binding site motif for TFAP2A which has previously been linked to mammary gland development. Pseudoheritability estimates were moderate for colostrum quality (0.19 ± 0.06) and high for colostrum quantity (0.76 ± 0.11), suggesting that genomic selection for these traits would be possible. Diminished colostrum quantity or quality can have a significant impact on herd health and herd economics. The identification of loci, positional candidate genes, and transcription factor binding site motifs associated with colostrum production could be used in genomic selection to allow producers to select for cattle with good colostrum production, improving calf health, and reducing economic losses to the herd.

Short communication: Validation of methods for practically evaluating failed passive transfer of immunity in calves arriving at a veal facility

Providing a sufficient quantity of high-quality colostrum to male and female calves soon after birth is critical to reduce the risk of disease and mortality. Practical tests have not been validated to determine failed passive transfer of immunity upon arrival at veal facilities. There are many challenges to validation, including the lack of information on the age of the calf and the high prevalence of dehydration. The objective of this study was to validate a semiquantitative IgG antibody test using whole blood and a digital refractometer using serum to determine passive transfer of immunity status. A total of 149 Holstein calves were evaluated upon arrival at a milk-fed veal facility for dehydration status and had blood drawn to evaluate passive transfer of immunity. Serum IgG determined by radial immunodiffusion was used as the gold standard for the validation of the tests, and a cut-off point of <1,000 mg/dL of IgG was used to indicate failed passive transfer of immunity. Serum total protein (STP) was evaluated using a digital refractometer (Misco Palm Abbe no. PA202x, Misco, Solon, OH), and a semiquantitative test (ZAPvet Bovine IgG test, NOWDiagnostics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) was used on whole blood. A nonparametric receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to compare STP and IgG levels. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were calculated for STP and the semiquantitative IgG test. A total of 31 calves (21%) had serum IgG <1,000 mg/dL. Twelve percent of calves were showing signs of clinical dehydration when assessed upon arrival. The serum total protein (STP) was very well correlated with the concentration of IgG (R2 = 0.75). The STP cut point to determine passive transfer was ≥5.1 g/dL, yielding a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 90%. The semiquantitative antibody test on whole blood performed poorly, with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 44%. This study demonstrates that serum total protein is a reliable measure for evaluating passive transfer of immunity and can be used despite a high prevalence of dehydration.

Milking and Calf Rearing Management Practices Followed by Gir Cattle Owners for Conservation of Gir Cattle in Ajmer District of Rajasthan

The present study was conducted in eight randomly selected villages of Ajmer district in Rajasthan. Data was collected through structured interview schedule. A total sample size was constituted with 160 Gir cattle owners.Perusal of data revealed that knuckling (87.50 per cent) was the main method of milking. All the respondents used to clean udder and teats, wash hand before milking and milked their cattle twice a day. None of the cattle keepers follow dry hand milking. About 56.25 per cent of the respondents used sand and clean water for cleaning of milking utensils. All (100%) of the respondents follow the practice ofdrying of the pregnant animals about 60 days before calving. About 82.50 per cent of the respondents adopt intermittent milking method of drying of the pregnant animals.Results indicated that 85.62 per cent of the owners cleaned and trimmed hooves of the calf after birth. Majority 93.13 per cent of the respondents did not cut the naval cord of calf. About 47.50 percent respondents allowed adlib quantity of colostrum to calf. About 51.50 per cent of the owners are feeding colostrums to calf within 2 hr of birth. It was found that 55.62 per cent of the owners allowed suckling of calf up to 6 month of age. Majority 91.87 per cent of owner did not perform deworming of calves.

Prevalence of failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins in Holstein calves in Northern Greece and association with management practices

Objectives of the present study were to estimate prevalence of failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins in dairy calves in Northern Greece and to investigate factors potentially associated with it. Four hundred and thirty seven clinically healthy calves in 30 farms were included in the study. Age of calves was 18 h to 7 d. Animals were blood sampled and serum total protein concentrations were measured by a refractometer. Two thresholds of total protein concentration were used: 5.2 or 5.5 g dL 1. At calf level, an animal was considered to have failure of passive transfer of immunoblobulins when total protein concentrations were lower than the above thresholds. At herd level, a herd was considered to have failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins when &gt;20% of sampled calves had total protein concentration was &lt;5.2 or &lt;5.5 g dL-1.Moreover, data on health management on the farm were collected in a purpose-built questionnaire. At 5.2 g dL-1, 20% of the calves and 40% of the herds were considered to have failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins; when the 5.5 g dL-1 threshold was used, respective prevalences were 26% and 53%. At herd level, mean blood serum total protein concentration tended to be positively affected by a short interval between birth and first colostrum meal, by maintenance of a stock of frozen colostrum and by establishment of a close-up group of dry cows. At calf level, the same factors had a statistically significant positive effect on blood serum total protein concentration. Moreover, quantity of colostrum received by calves and colostrum condition were also positively related with blood serum total protein concentration. In conclusion, failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins is a common problem in Holstein calves in Northern Greece. Increased prevalence of the problem implies that increased efforts and management practices need to be applied to ensure the adequate transferof maternal immunoglobulins to newborn calves. Also, it becomes obvious from all the above findings that many farmersare not well informed for management practices that have to implement to ensure adequate amounts of immunoglobulins tonewborn calves. Hence, dissemination of knowledge concerning best management practices for achieving adequate passiveimmunity is considered to be of significant importance.

Validation of commercial luminometry swabs for total bacteria and coliform counts in colostrum-feeding equipment

A sufficient quantity and quality of colostrum must be fed quickly to the newborn calf while minimizing bacterial contamination. Adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence swabs offer a potential rapid on-farm alternative to assess bacterial contamination of colostrum. The objective of this study was to validate the Hygiena (Camarillo, CA) AquaSnap Total (AS), SuperSnap (SS), PRO-Clean (PC), and MicroSnap Coliform (MS) swabs as well as visual hygiene assessment for detection of elevated bacterial counts in or on colostrum-feeding equipment. From April to October 2016, 18 esophageal tube feeders, 49 nipple bottles, and 6 pails from 52 dairy farms in Ontario were evaluated for cleanliness. Following visual hygiene assessment, sterile physiological saline (15 mL) was poured into each piece of equipment, mixed for 2 min to ensure total surface coverage, and poured into a sterile collection container through the feeding end. The fluid was split into equal aliquots, with one being evaluated by conventional culture and the other evaluated using the luminometry swabs. Nonparametric receiver operator curves were used to compare the test performance of the luminescence reading (relative light units; RLU) from each type of swab to conventional bacterial culture. The area under the curve comparing the AS swab to total bacterial count (cut point >100,000 cfu/mL) was 0.89, and using a cut point of 631 RLU correctly classified 84% of samples with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 77%. The area under the curve comparing the MS swab to total coliform count (cut point >10,000 cfu/mL) was 0.85, and using a cut point of 44 RLU correctly classified 89% of samples with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 90%. Visual hygiene assessment, PC and SS swabs were not reliable indicators for feeding equipment cleanliness. The results suggest that the AS and MS swabs can be used as an alternative to traditional laboratory bacterial counts to evaluate cleanliness of colostrum-feeding equipment.