The effect of various heat-treatment methods on colostrum quality, health and performance of dairy calves

Abstract

To investigate the effect of feeding heat-treated colostrum at different duration on the health and performance, 48 Holstein calves were enrolled randomly into four treatment groups before first feeding and consumed untreated colostrum (H0, n = 12), heat-treated colostrum at 60ºC for 30 min. (H30, n = 12), heat-treated colostrum at 60ºC for 60 min. (H60, n = 12) and heat-treated colostrum at 60ºC for 90 min. (H90, n = 12). Blood samples were collected for analyses of IgG and protein profile at 0, 6, and 24h of age. The colostrum sample from treated and untreated batches and feces sample from each calf also were taken. The results showed heat-treatment of colostrum at 60ºC for 60 (p = 0.03) and 90 min. (p = 0.01) reduced total bacterial count, while colostral IgG concentration maintained up to 60 min. Serum total protein (p = 0.02), IgG concentrations (p = 0.03), and apparent efficiency of IgG absorption (p = 0.02) were significantly greater at 6 and 24h in calves that were fed heat-treated colostrum (H90) compared to calves fed unheated colostrum (H0). General health status of calves that were received heat-treated colostrum was better and the prevalence of diarrhea-induced pathogens was lower than calves were fed unheated colostrum. In conclusion, the consumption of heat-treated colostrum had a positive effect on health, growth characteristics, and performance of calves during the suckling period.

Production of Bovine Colostrum for Human Consumption to Improve Health

“…Similar to previous studies, Hesami et al (2020) studied the impact of different pasteurization temperatures and duration such as 60 °C for 30, 60, and 90 min respectively on IgG concentration of bovine colostrum. The feeding pasteurized bovine colostrum effect on the health and performance of Holstein calves were also evaluated in this study.…”

“…In conclusion, calves fed pasteurized colostrum had a better overall health status, whereas calves fed with unpasteurized colostrum had a lower prevalence of diarrhea-induced pathogens. During lactation, calves’ health, growth characteristics, and physical performance were improved by feeding pasteurized colostrum ( Hesami et al, 2020 ).…”

Effect of heating bovine colostrum at 60°C for 90′ on colostrum quality and, the health and growth characteristics of Holstein dairy calves

“…Rafiei et al and Hesami et al showed that ADG and weaning weight were greater in calves fed heated colostrum. 65,68 Monitoring daily weight gain allows the assessment of efficiency and consistency of growth over a suckling period. Our study identified mean daily weight gains in calves fed heated or unheated colostrum of 0.54 and 0.49 kg/day, respectively.…”

“…The increase in serum GH concentration in calves fed colostrum may result at least partly from the effects of absorbed colostral GH releasing factor (GHRF) that stimulates the release of endogenous GH by the pituitary gland of neonatal calves. Rafiei et al and Hesami et al showed that ADG and weaning weight were greater in calves fed heated colostrum 65,68 . Monitoring daily weight gain allows the assessment of efficiency and consistency of growth over a suckling period.…”