Passive Transfer of Immunity, Preweaning Health, and Growth in Holstein Calves Fed a Bovine Lacteal-Derived Colostrum Replacer or Raw Pooled Colostrum
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20114048Keywords:
raw colostrum, Mycobacterium avium, passive transfer, IgG, colostrum replacement, pooled colostrum, growth rate, healthAbstract
Pooling raw colostrum from multiple cow sources for feeding calves is a well-recognized risk factor for both the transmission of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis and occurrence of failure of passive transfer (FPT) of immunity in calves. Pooled colostrum-related failure of passive transfer (FPT) in calves can be prevented by feeding alternative sources of IgG in the form of colostrum replacement products. The objective of this study was to complete a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) to evaluate the effect of feeding a bovine lacteal-derived colostrum replacer (LCR) versus raw pooled colostrum (RPC) on passive transfer of immunity, growth rates, and preweaning calf health.