Incidence of Inadequate Transfer of Passive Immunity in Dairy Heifer Calves in South Australia

Abstract

The objective of this observational study was to estimate the incidence of inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI) on five pasture-based dairy farms in South Australia. Heifer calf uptake of colostrum was evaluated within the first 1–7 days of age (n = 2638) using a digital refractometer to estimate each calf’s serum total protein concentration, as an indicator of colostrum uptake. Results of <51 g/L indicated inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI). The data showed that the incidence of ITPI on the farms was 6.5%, 31.3%, 48.8%, 49.7% and 52.4%. The incidence of ITPI was calculated in relation to the age of the calf at testing and the breed of calf, and no significant differences were found. A significant difference was found in the incidence of ITPI when comparing the calf’s first feed after separation from the dam (colostrum versus a colostrum-transition milk mixture). The farm with the lowest incidence of ITPI collected calves twice a day, measured colostrum quality on farm with a Brix refractometer and ensured that each calf received an appropriate amount of high-quality colostrum soon after collection. Further studies are required to establish the risk factors of ITPI in South Australian dairy heifers.

Meta-Analysis on the Prevalence of Failed Transfer of Passive Immunity in Calves from Pasture-Based Dairy Farms in Australasia

“…Only one farm in Australia (farm number 4) from Skirving et al [16] had a very low proportion of FTPI (6%; 95% CI = 3-12%). The authors mentioned that on this farm, the newborn calves were collected twice per day, and the calves were fed 2-3 L of colostrum of a high quality (>22 Brix %) within 12 h of arriving in the shed [16]. Data from a total of 13,430 calves from eight studies were used to calculate the overall prevalence of FTPI.…”

“…The meta-analysis at the farm level indicated the prevalence of FTPI as 38% in dairy calves (95% CI = 28%-49%). Only one farm in Australia (farm number 4) from Skirving et al [16] had a very low proportion of FTPI (6%; 95% CI = 3%-12%). The authors mentioned that on this farm, the newborn calves were collected twice per day, and the calves were fed 2-3 L of colostrum of a high quality (>22 Brix %) within 12 h of arriving in the shed [16].…”

“…The overall prevalence of FTPI in dairy calves in Australasia was estimated by using the prevalence FTPI in calves from the 8 selected studies (animal level) in the meta-analysis. In addition to using prevalence data of each study, the prevalence of FTPI in calves in Australasia at farm level was estimated using available farm data (n = 24 farms) from 3 studies (Lawrence et al [33], Mason et al [34] and Skirving et al [16]) (referred herein as "prevalence of FTPI in calves at farm level").…”

“…Farm data from three studies were used for a farm level meta-analysis (Figure 3), specifically, the studies by Lawrence et al [33] (total farms = 11), Mason et al [34] (total farms = 8), and Skirving et al [16] (total farms = 5). The meta-analysis at the farm level indicated the prevalence of FTPI as 38% in dairy calves (95% CI = 28%-49%).…”

“…If calves receive insufficient quality or quantity of colostrum prior to gut closure, this may result in failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI), and FTPI is correlated with increased calf morbidity and mortality [10][11][12][13]. Factors that affect the successful TPI in calves include the colostrum quantity and quality, timing of feeding colostrum, age and parity of the dam, and presence of the dam [4,[14][15][16][17].…”