Effect of Feeding Raw Versus Heat-treated Colostrum on Passive Transfer of Immunoglobulin Gin Newborn Dairy Calves

Authors

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

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20084447

Keywords:

colostrum quality, heat-treatment, bacterial contamination, IgG, serum total solids

Abstract

The importance of timing, volume and quality of colostrum fed has long been understood, but the improvement of colostrum quality via on farm heat-treatment is a concept developed only within the last few years. Bacterial contamination of colostrum is not only a potential source of pathogen exposure, but perhaps interferes with the absorption of lg. An earlier pilot study in 49 calves on one farm indicated that feeding heat-treated colostrum enhanced the efficiency of absorption of colostral IgG in the neonatal calf, presumably by reduction in bacteria counts in colostrum. A larger controlled study in six large commercial dairies was undertaken to determine if the pilot study results could be replicated. The objective of this study was to determine if calves fed raw versus heat-treated colostrum differed significantly in serum total solids and serum IgG concentrations.

Cover image of the 41st Conference Proceedings: A herd of cattle standing in the field, framed by a cloudy sky. Yellow background.

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Published

2008-09-25

Issue

2008

Section

Research Summaries