Preliminary study of bovine colostrum quality in Latvia

Abstract

Bovine colostrum is a mammary gland secret which, due to its high immunoglobulin concentration, is necessary for the transfer of passive immunity to the calf, preventing diseases caused by microbial infections in the newborn ruminants. Colostrum, however, may contain pathogens and can be an infection transmitter, affecting morbidity and mortality rates of calves in the farms. Total plate count and immunoglobulin concentration are two main factors affecting colostrum quality, therefore the aim of the study was to analyse Latvian dairy herd colostrum quality. Colostrum was collected from Holstein Black cows within the first six hours after calving, lactation period of animals ranged from 1 st to 4 th lactation. Colostrum samples (n=51, 50 mL) were collected from December 2018 to February 2019. Immunoglobulin concentration (n=51) was defined by colostrometer (COLOSTROMETER tm Biogenics, USA), total solids content by optical refractometer (Model BX, UK). Staphylococcus spp. colony-forming unit (CFU) (LVS EN ISO 6888-1+A1:2007), the presence of Listeria spp. (LVS EN ISO 11290-1+A1:2007) and Salmonella spp. (LVS EN ISO 6579-1:2017) were examined in the colostrum samples (n=20). Despite the high immunoglobulin concentration in the analysed samples, our research findings demonstrate suboptimal colostrum quality received by calves. That indicates the necessity for regular colostrum quality control and better management practise providing on the farm.

Bovine Colostrum: Human and Animal Health Benefits or Route Transmission of Antibiotic Resistance—One Health Perspective

“…Bovine colostrum constitutes the first potential exposure of calves to pathogenic agents. Colostrum may contain pathogens (Table 2) that can be transmitted to calves, affecting animal health and colostrum quality [36,37]. Additionally, the intestinal absorption of immunoglobulins is reduced by high bacteria levels in colostrum.…”

“…paratuberculosis, Campylobacter jejuni, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes-these can be transmitted to calves through colostrum [17,39,41,42]. In Holstein Black cows, colostrum collected within the first 6 h after calving was detected as predominantly Staphylococcus spp., including S. aureus, but also Listeria innocua, Enterococcus feacium, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus clausii and Macrococcus caseolyticus [37].…”

“…The consumption of bovine colostrum contaminated with pathogens can have a negative impact on calf health, increasing mortality rates. For humans, consuming raw colostrum without thermal treatment can also pose risks [37,39]. On the other hand, immunoglobulin absorption decreased under the presence of high levels of microbial contamination into colostrum [10,41,43,44].…”

Analysis of Antibiotic-Resistant and Virulence Genes of Enterococcus Detected in Calf Colostrum—One Health Perspective

“…It is characterized by a unique composition, with immunological, nutritional and growth functions, and is extremely important for the health and development of animals [ 7 , 8 ]. A wide variety of bacterial species have been described in colostrum, colonizing the gastrointestinal tract of animals early in life [ 9 , 10 ]. Among these are Enterococcus , a bacterial genus that was initially seen as harmless but that is currently considered one of the most important agents of nosocomial infections.…”

Effects of non- aureus staphylococci on colostrum composition, properties and fatty acid profile in cow – a preliminary study

“…The microbiological quality of colostrum is considered an important parameter which may affect immunoglobulin absorption and passive immunity in calves. Pathogens in colostrum may also be a direct cause of morbidity and mortality of neonates (Baltrukova et al 2019). The quality and quantity of cow mammary gland secretions are closely related to the udder health.…”