Preliminary Results on the Effect of Feeding Heat-treated Colostrum on Health and Growth in Pre-weaned Dairy Calves

Authors

  • M. Donahue College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
  • S. Godden College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
  • R. Bey College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
  • S. Wells College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
  • J. Fetrow College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108
  • J. Stabel USDA, ARB, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA 50010

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20094314

Keywords:

colostrum, heat-treatment, colostral bacteria, immunoglobulin, serum lgG, daily gain

Abstract

Previous research showed that heat-treatment of colostrum at 140°F (60°C) for 60 minutes results in a significant reduction in colostral bacteria counts without affecting colostral immunoglobulin concentrations. Moreover, calves fed heat-treated colostrum have improved serum lgG levels when compared to calves fed raw colostrum. It is unclear whether feeding heat-treated colostrum will improve growth or health in preweaned calves. The objective of this study was to describe the effect of feeding heat-treated colostrum on average daily gain (ADG), risk for morbidity, and mortality in pre-weaned calves.

Cover image of the 42nd Conference Proceedings: Cattle grazing in a spring field along the horizon. In the foreground, one brown cow with a triangle marking and ear tags is posing. Yellow background.

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Published

2009-09-10

Issue

2009

Section

Research Summaries 2