Evaluation of digital Brix refractometry in assessing maternal colostrum quality and transfer of passive immunity in beef cattle

Authors

  • M. C. Windeyer Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
  • E. Homerosky Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
  • M. Grover Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
  • C. Murray Nutreco Canada Inc., Guelph, ON, N1G 4T2, Canada
  • E. A. Pajor Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
  • R. Lewis Merck Animal Health, Intervet Canada Corp., Kirkland, QC, H9H 4M7, Canada
  • D. Haines Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatoon, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20153574

Keywords:

passive immunity, calves, dairy cattle, beef cattle, colostrum

Abstract

Newborn calves depend on passive immunity acquired by the timely ingestion of colostrum containing adequate concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG). Failed transfer of passive immunity (FTP) in calves is defined as serum IgG concentrations <10 g/L, measured between 1 and 7 days after birth. It is estimated that up to 27% of beef calves suffer from FTP, which can affect calf health, survival, and growth. In contrast to dairy calves that are typically hand-fed prescribed volumes of colostrum, beef calves ideally suck from their dam and do not need human intervention. This requires the calf to be vigorous, the cow to allow the calf to suckle, and the colostrum to be of sufficient quality and quantity. However, beef producers rarely know the quality or quantity of colostrum available to, or consumed by, the calves in their care. Although measuring the volume of colostrum is not generally feasible for beef producers, there are on-farm tools available to estimate IgG concentration. Optical and digital refractometers are widely used to evaluate colostrum and serum of dairy cattle. However, there is minimal published research evaluating these tools in beef cattle. Objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of the Brix refractometer for estimating quality of maternal colostrum and levels of passive immunity acquired by commercial beef calves.

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Published

2015-09-17

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Section

Research Summaries 1

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