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

Abstract

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 3 L 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.

Effect of feeding maternal colostrum or plasma-derived or colostrum-derived colostrum replacer on passive transfer of immunity, health, and performance of preweaning heifer calves

“…Conversely, Swan et al (2007) found higher rates of failure of passive transfer when a CR was fed, which could impair health and survival. Fidler et al (2011) and Godden et al (2009a) found similar results when calves were fed a commercial CR at the recommended dose. Despite higher rates of failure of passive transfer, a recent report found no difference in mortality rates from birth to first calving (Pithua et al, 2010).…”

A randomized controlled trial on preweaning morbidity, growth and mortality in Holstein heifers fed a lacteal-derived colostrum replacer or pooled maternal colostrum

“…Even so, preweaning morbidity and mortality risks did not differ between groups in this study [22]. Several studies reported that feeding a higher IgG mass (≥ 200 g of IgG) delivered using CR products resulted in greater IgG absorption and lower FPT risks [19,20,23]. However, these studies did not evaluate post-administration performance in terms of preweaning morbidity and mortality risks, feed intake, and weight gain for calves fed larger masses of IgG in the CR products evaluated.…”

“…Previous IgG absorption studies on various CR products yielded conflicting results [19-22]. In addition, studies that report a positive association between bovine lacteal or serum based CR products and adequate transfer of immunity in calves rarely include an assessment of preweaning morbidity and performance [19-21].…”

“…In addition, studies that report a positive association between bovine lacteal or serum based CR products and adequate transfer of immunity in calves rarely include an assessment of preweaning morbidity and performance [19-21]. In one Minnesota study, 93% of calves fed a plasma-derived CR product (125 g of IgG) after birth experienced FPT compared with 28% of calves fed MC [19]. Even so, preweaning morbidity and mortality risks did not differ between groups in this study [22].…”

Advances in prevention and therapy of neonatal dairy calf diarrhoea: a systematical review with emphasis on colostrum management and fluid therapy

“…Colostrum replacement products have a highly variable performance [49,[58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65], and the herd veterinarian is advised to consult results of peer-reviewed controlled trials for separate products. Colostrum supplemented in milk replacer during the first 2 weeks of life (10 g IgG, bid) reduces NCD rates because of the intestinal activity of colostral antibodies and epithelial growth promoting substances [66].…”