Use of mammary gland and colostral characteristics for prediction of colostral IgG1 concentration and intramammary infection in Holstein cows.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mammary gland or colostral characteristics at calving could be used to predict colostral immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) concentration or intramammary infection (IMI) and whether leakage of colostrum affects IgG1 concentration. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 113 multiparous Holstein cows. PROCEDURE: Cows were examined within 3 hours of calving, and mammary gland and colostral characteristics, colostral volume, somatic cell count, and concentrations of IgG1, fat, and protein were determined. Bacteriologic culture of mammary secretions was performed approximately 14 and 7 days before calving and at calving. Associations of gland and colostral characteristics with colostral IgG1 concentration, colostral volume, and IMI were examined. RESULTS: Thick or thin colostrum had higher IgG1 concentration than colostrum of intermediate viscosity. Colostrum from mammary glands that were firm had low IgG1 concentration. Colostral IgG1 concentration was weakly correlated with volume. Intramammary infection was likely to be detected if colostrum contained clots or blood or if the California Mastitis Test (CMT) score was > or = 2. Somatic cell count was higher for glands with IMI than for uninfected glands, and CMT score was correlated with cell count. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Mammary gland and colostral characteristics were of little value in predicting IgG1 concentration. Our findings do not support recommendations that first milking colostrum that is thin (watery) or that is from cows producing large volumes not be fed to dairy calves. Colostral characteristics, particularly CMT score, were of value for predicting IMI.     

Influence of colostral quality on serum proteins in dairy calves raised in smallholder farms in Thailand

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of colostral quality on serum proteins in calves. Samples were collected from visited farms in Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Kamphaeng Saen and Nong Pho Animal Hospital. In total, 35 dairy farms contributed 80 dams and calves’ samples. Colostrum samples from 80 dairy cows and blood samples from their calves were taken to evaluate colostral immunoglobulins (Ig) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), and calf serum protein and IgG. Total colostral Ig, colostral and serum IgG, and serum protein were measured by a colostrometer, single radial immunodiffusion, and refractrometer, respectively. Immunoglobulin G and serum protein concentrations increased in the 1st day after birth, and maximum concentrations were seen in the 2nd day and then decreased in the 7th and 14th days. Average?±?SD total colostral IgG concentrations at calving date and at 1 and 2 days after calving were 93.85?±?33.89, 37.11?±?23.51, and 17.23?±?9.4 mg/mL, respectively. The profile of total Ig and IgG concentrations in colostrum had a similar pattern, with the maximum concentrations obtained in calving date and rapidly decreased thereafter. Low IgG concentrations were seen in the 7th and 14th day after calving. The calves that were fed with high quality colostrum had higher serum protein at 1 day of age, 7.49?±?1.01 g/dL, than calves fed with low quality colostrum, 6.40?±?0.86 g/dL (P?<?0.01). The increase in serum protein after first colostrum feeding of high and low quality colostrum was 1.55?±?1.07 and 0.81?±?0.69 g/dL, respectively (P?=?0.02).     

Effect of colostrum administration by use of oroesophageal intubation on serum IgG concentrations in Holstein bull calves

OBJECTIVE: To determine the amount of colostral IgG required for adequate passive transfer in calves administered colostrum by use of oroesophageal intubation and evaluate the impact of other factors on passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in calves. ANIMALS: 120 Holstein bull calves. PROCEDURES: Calves were randomly assigned to specific treatment groups on the basis of volume of colostrum administered and age of calf at administration of colostrum. Colostrum was administered once by oroesophageal intubation. Equal numbers of calves received 1, 2, 3, or 4 L of colostrum, and equal numbers of calves received colostrum at 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, or 22 hours after birth. Serum samples were obtained from calves 48 hours after birth for IgG determination by radial immunodiffusion assay. Effects of factors affecting transfer of colostral immunoglobulins were determined by use of a stepwise multiple regression model and logistic regression models. RESULTS: A minimum of 153 g of colostral IgG was required for optimum colostral transfer of immunoglobulins when calves were fed 3L of colostrum at 2 hours after birth. Substantially larger IgG intakes were required by calves fed colostrum > 2 hours after birth. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Feeding 100 g of colostral IgG by oroesophageal intubation was insufficient for adequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. At least 150 to 200 g of colostral IgG was required for adequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. Use of an oroesophageal tube for administration of 3 L of colostrum to calves within 2 hours after birth is recommended.     

Colostral immunoglobulin concentrations in Holstein and Guernsey cows.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the concentration of IgG in colostrum between Holstein and Guernsey cows and among cows of various lactations. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Colostrum samples from 77 Holstein and 24 Guernsey cows. PROCEDURE: Colostrum samples were obtained from 101 cows. Colostral IgG concentration was determined, using a radial immunodiffusion assay. Regression analysis was used to determine the effect of breed and lactation number on colostral IgG concentration. Survival analysis and t-tests were used to compare the proportion of colostrum samples that would provide 100 g of IgG for various volumes of colostral intake. RESULTS: Guernsey cows produced 36.4 g of IgG/L of colostrum more than that of Holstein cows. Cows in the third or greater lactation produced 19.5 g of IgG/L of colostrum more than that of first-lactation cows. The IgG concentration of colostrum produced by second-lactation cows did not differ significantly from that produced by first-lactation cows. The colostral IgG concentration of these Holstein and Guernsey cows was higher than values that have been reported elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Volume of colostrum needed to meet IgG intake goals is probably lower for Guernsey cows than Holstein cows. Colostrum from first-lactation cows was adequate in IgG content. The practice of discarding colostrum from first-lactation cows on the basis of inadequate IgG content was not justified in this study.     

Evaluation of a cow-side immunoassay kit for assessing IgG concentration in colostrum

OBJECTIVE: To determine sensitivity and specificity of a cow-side immunoassay kit for assessing IgG concentration in colostrum. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 76 dairy and 11 beef cows of various parities. PROCEDURE: Colostrum from first, second, and third milkings and milk samples were collected, and IgG concentration was determined by means of radial immunodiffusion. The immunoassay was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated by comparing results of the immunoassay (positive vs negative) with results of immunodiffusion (< 50 g/L vs > or = 50 g/L). RESULTS: 135 colostrum or milk samples were collected. Mean +/- SD colostral IgG concentrations, determined by means of radial immunodiffusion for dairy and beef cows were 65.4 +/- 51.4 g/L and 114.8 +/- 42.7 g/L, respectively. Mean IgG concentrations for first-, second-, and third-milking colostrum samples and for milk samples were 92 +/- 49.0 g/L, 74.6 +/- 45.1 g/L, 47.5 +/- 32 g/L, and 6.8 +/- 3.8 g/L, respectively. Sensitivity of the immunoassay (ie, percentage of samples with IgG concentration < 50 g/L with a positive immunoassay result) was 93%, and specificity (ie, percentage of samples with IgG concentration > or = 50 g/L with a negative immunoassay result) was 76%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that the immunoassay kit was an acceptable cow-side test to identify colostrum samples with IgG concentrations < 50 g/L. The immunoassay kit should be useful in screening colostrum for adequate IgG concentration before feeding to calves or storage.     

Comparison of four methods to assess colostral IgG concentration in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine sensitivity and specificity of 4 methods to assess colostral IgG concentration in dairy cows and determine the optimal cutpoint for each method. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 160 Holstein dairy cows. PROCEDURES: 171 composite colostrum samples collected within 2 hours after parturition were used in the study. Test methods used to estimate colostral IgG concentration consisted of weight of the first milking, 2 hydrometers, and an electronic refractometer. Results of the test methods were compared with colostral IgG concentration determined by means of radial immunodiffusion. For each method, sensitivity and specificity for detecting colostral IgG concentration < 50 g/L were calculated across a range of potential cutpoints, and the optimal cutpoint for each test was selected to maximize sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: At the optimal cutpoint for each method, sensitivity for weight of the first milking (0.42) was significantly lower than sensitivity for each of the other 3 methods (hydrometer 1, 0.75; hydrometer 2, 0.76; refractometer, 0.75), but no significant differences were identified among the other 3 methods with regard to sensitivity. Specificities at the optimal cutpoint were similar for all 4 methods. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that use of either hydrometer or the electronic refractometer was an acceptable method of screening colostrum for low IgG concentration; however, the manufacturer-defined scale for both hydrometers overestimated colostral IgG concentration. Use of weight of the first milking as a screening test to identify bovine colostrum with inadequate IgG concentration could not be justified because of the low sensitivity.     

Determination of serologic and colostral response in late-gestation cows vaccinated with a Mycoplasma bovis bacterin

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether vaccinating cows during late gestation against Mycoplasma bovis will result in adequate concentrations of M bovis-specific IgG(1) in serum, colostrum, and milk. ANIMALS: 78 dairy cows. PROCEDURES: Serum samples were obtained 60 and 39 days prior to expected parturition in vaccinated and control cows from a single herd. Serum and colostrum samples were also obtained at parturition. Milk samples were obtained 7 to 14 days after parturition. Samples were analyzed for anti-M bovis IgG(1) concentrations. RESULTS: Prior to vaccination, control and vaccinated cows had similar anti-M bovis IgG(1) concentrations. After initial vaccination and subsequent booster and at parturition, there was a significant difference between the 2 groups, with vaccinated cows having higher IgG concentrations. Colostrum from vaccinated cows had higher anti-M bovis IgG(1) concentrations, compared with control cows; however, IgG(1) concentrations in milk did not differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Vaccination of late-gestation cows resulted in increased concentrations of anti-M bovis IgG(1) in colostrum. However, ingestion of colostrum by calves may not guarantee protection against M bovis infection.     

Factors associated with colostrum quality in individual cows from dairy herds in the Waikato region of New Zealand

AIMS: To examine associations between various cow-level factors and quality of first-milking colostrum (measured as Brix), and to evaluate herd-level associations between vaccination against calf diarrhoea and colostrum quality, in cows from dairy herds in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

METHODS: A single colostrum sample was collected, by complete udder evacuation, from each of 20 cows from 29 dairy herds in the Waikato region of New Zealand during the 2016 spring calving period. Vaccination pre-partum with a calf diarrhoea vaccine was used in 15 herds. Each colostrum sample was tested using a digital Brix refractometer. The body condition score of each cow was recorded at the time of sample collection and farmers provided records of clinical mastitis and facial eczema from the previous 12 months, as well as the age and breed of cows. Associations between cow-level variables in non-vaccinated herds and Brix were examined using a multivariable linear mixed model and estimated marginal means obtained for different categories.

RESULTS: Mean Brix of 281 samples from cows in non-vaccinated herds was 18.7 (SD 0.26)%; 63/281 (22.4%) samples had Brix ≥22% and 152/281 (54.1%) had Brix ≥18%. Mean Brix of colostrum samples from cows aged ≥6 years (20.2 (95% CI=19.1–21.2)%) was higher than for samples from 2-year-old cows (18.6 (95% CI=17.3–19.9)%) (p=0.005). Colostrum that was collected at the first milking on the day of calving had higher Brix (20.0 (95% CI=19.1–20.9)%) than colostrum collected from cows that calved the previous day (17.5 (95% CI=16.5–18.4)%) (p<0.001). Mean Brix of colostrum samples from cows which produced ≥8?L (18.2 (95% CI=17.1–19.2)%) tended to be lower than from cows which produced <8?L first-milking colostrum (19.1 (95% CI=18.3–20.0)%) (p=0.08). Among vaccinating herds, 9/15 (60%) had ≥60% colostrum samples with Brix ≥18% compared with 4/14 (29%) of non-vaccinating herds (p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Colostrum quality, as measured by Brix, was associated with the total volume of first-milking colostrum, interval from calving to colostrum collection and cow age. Vaccination against calf diarrhoea was associated with a higher proportion of colostrum samples with adequate Brix. Careful selection of colostrum donor cows should ensure newborn calves are fed adequate quality colostrum which should be beneficial in preventing failure of passive transfer of IgG. Testing of colostrum from individual cows with a Brix refractometer is advocated for the selection of colostrum for feeding newborn calves.     

Comparison of three methods of feeding colostrum to dairy calves

Absorption of colostral immunoglobulins by Holstein calves was studied in 3 herds in which 3 methods of colostrum feeding were used. Failure of passive transfer, as determined by calf serum immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) concentration less than 10 mg/ml at 48 hours of age, was diagnosed in 61.4% of calves from a dairy in which calves were nursed by their dams, 19.3% of calves from a dairy using nipple-bottle feeding, and 10.8% of calves from a dairy using tube feeding. The management factor determined to have the greatest influence on the probability of failure of passive transfer in the herds using artificial methods of colostrum feeding (bottle feeding or tube feeding) was the volume of colostrum fed as it affected the amount of IgG1 received by the calf. In dairies that used artificial feeding methods, failure of passive transfer was infrequent in calves fed greater than or equal to 100 g IgG1 in the first colostrum feeding. In the dairy that allowed calves to suckle, prevalence of failure of passive transfer was greater than 50% even among calves nursed by cows with above-average colostral IgG1 concentration. Analysis of the effect of other management factors on calf immunoglobulin absorption revealed small negative effects associated with the use of previously frozen colostrum and the use of colostrum from cows with long nonlactating intervals.     

Concentration and heritability of immunoglobulin G and natural antibody immunoglobulin M in dairy and beef colostrum along with serum total protein in their calves

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G and natural antibody (NAb) IgM are passively transferred to the neonatal calf through bovine colostrum. Maternal IgG provides pathogen- or vaccine-specific protection and comprises about 85% of colostral Ig. NAb-IgM is less abundant but provides broad and nonspecific reactivity, potentially contributing to protection against the dissemination of pathogens in the blood (septicemia) in a calf’s first days of life. In the dairy and beef industries, failure of passive transfer (FPT) of colostral Ig (serum total protein [STP] <5.2 g/dL) is still a common concern. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare colostral IgG concentrations and NAb-IgM titers between dairy and beef cows; (2) assess the effect of beef breed on colostral IgG; (3) compare passive transfer of colostral Ig in dairy and beef calves; and (4) estimate the heritability of colostral IgG and NAb-IgM. Colostrum was collected from Holstein dairy (n = 282) and crossbred beef (n = 168) cows at the University of Guelph dairy and beef research centers. Colostral IgG was quantified by radial immunodiffusion and NAb-IgM was quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In dairy (n = 308) and beef (n = 169) calves, STP was estimated by digital refractometry. Beef cows had significantly greater colostral IgG (146.5 ± 9.5 standard error of the mean [SEM] g/L) than dairy cows (92.4 ± 5.2 g/L, P <0.01). Beef cows with a higher proportion of Angus ancestry had significantly lower colostral IgG (125.5 ± 5.8 g/L) than cows grouped as “Other” (142.5 ± 4.9 g/L, P = 0.02). Using the FPT cutoff, 13% of dairy and 16% of beef calves had FPT; still, beef calves had a significantly larger proportion with excellent passive transfer (STP ≥6.2 g/dL, P <0.01). The heritability of colostral IgG was 0.04 (±0.14) in dairy and 0.14 (±0.32) in beef. Colostral NAb-IgM titers in dairy (12.12 ± 0.22, log₂ [reciprocal of titer]) and beef cows (12.03 ± 0.19) did not differ significantly (P = 0.71). The range of NAb-IgM titers was 9.18–14.60, equivalent to a 42-fold range in antibody concentration. The heritability of colostral NAb was 0.24 (±0.16) in dairy and 0.11 (±0.19) in beef cows. This study is the first to compare colostral NAb-IgM between dairy and beef cows. Based on the range in NAb-IgM titers and the heritability, selective breeding may improve colostrum quality and protection for neonatal calves in the early days of life.     

Effects of colostral antibody on susceptibility of calves to Cryptosporidium parvum infection

Effects of colostral antibody on susceptibility of calves to Cryptosporidium parvum infection were examined. Six calves were fed pooled colostrum that contained C parvum antibody, 6 times daily (at 4-hour intervals) for 7 days and then milk replacer for 7 days. Colostrum was obtained from healthy cows or cows inoculated parenterally with C parvum oocysts before parturition. Antibody content was determined in serum and colostrum whey, using an ELISA for anticryptosporidia immunoglobulin. Six calves were fed colostrum from healthy cows 1 time, and then milk replacer 6 times daily for 14 days. On day 1, all calves were challenge exposed with C parvum, PO, and were monitored daily for diarrhea and oocyst shedding. Bovine colostrum containing specific antibody to C parvum, at ELISA titers up to 10,240, was not effective in protecting calves against challenge exposure to C parvum.     

The effect of subclinical ketosis in dry cows on the composition of the colostrum and on health indicators in newborn calves

Subclinical ketosis of dry cows was studied as to its effect on the composition of colostrum and on the health condition and selected clinico-biochemical parameters in the new-born calves of these cows. The experimental group consisted of eight cows with ketonuria and their calves. The control group consisted of six cows without ketonuria and their new-born calves. Calves of both groups were reared in similar conditions. Colostrum samples were taken from the first milking and then from the milking 24 hours after parturition. The blood of the calves was sampled before the intake of colostrum and 24 hours after birth. The concentration of ketone bodies, particularly beta-hydroxybutyrate, was much higher in the colostrum of both groups of cows than in the blood (62.6 mg total ketone bodies per 1 litre of the first colostrum of the cows of the experimental group). The concentration of ketone bodies slightly increased after parturition. The cows with ketonuria secreted into colostrum a larger amount of oxidated ketone bodies. Colostrum quality was good in both groups. Decreased viability was not recorded during the clinical examination of the calves after birth. The level of total ketone bodies in the blood of pre-colostral calves in the experimental group was 10.4 mg per litre (a much lower concentration than in blood of their dams), and exhibited no appreciable change after taking in the colostrum. The blood of calves born to cows with ketonuria contained significantly higher amounts of oxidated ketone bodies. No correlation was demonstrated between the contents of ketone bodies in the blood of cows, in the blood of calves, and in the colostrum. The calves of the experimental group were found to have a significantly higher AST activity in plasma, as compared with the control group. Twenty-four hours after birth, the quantity of immunoglobulins in the blood serum was significantly lower in the calves of the experimental group. Thanks to good attendance and hygiene, the morbidity did not increase and no losses occurred.     

Biologic quality of colostrum and calves from dairy cows injected with zinc during pregnancy]

The effects of an administration of the Zindep inj. preparation (Biotika) were evaluated in pregnant dairy cows as exerted on specific weight, total protein (TP) content, total immunoglobulin (IgC) and albumin (ALB) contents in colostrum. These parameters were also followed: calf's health, live weight, leucocyte (Lc) counts, T-lymphocyte (T-Ly) counts, contents of TPs, IgCs and ALBs in the blood serum of calves. Zinc concentrations were determined in colostrum, milk and calf blood serum. Our observations included 16 dairy cows in the seventh month of pregnancy in the second lactation and their calves in the winter feeding season. Eight experimental dairy cows were treated with the Zindep preparation in form of an injection to the neck muscles at a dose of 3 mg Zn/kg live weight in the mid-seventh month of pregnancy. Blood samples were taken from v. jugularis from all calves before their first drinking, on days 5, 15 and 30 of age. Colostrum, and/or milk samples were obtained by drawing of the colostrum or milk from the udder quarters within 60 minutes after parturition, on days 5 and 15 of lactation. Zn levels at birth were 16.48 +/- 2.67 mumol/l in experimental calves and 13.84 +/- 3.19 mumol/l in control calves. Zincaemia decreased slightly in both groups on days 5 and 15 of age, but it was insignificantly higher in calves coming from Zindep-treated dairy cows. Zn levels in the blood serum on the 30th day of age were 18.45 +/- 2.44 mumol/l in experimental animals and 15.73 +/- 3.11 mumol/l in control animals. Zn content in the colostrum of experimental cows was 2.40 +/- 0.42 mg/l and in the control it was 1088 +/- 0.52 mg/l (P < 0.05). On day 5 of lactation, Zn amounts in the milk of experimental dairy cows decreased to 0.95 +/- 0.12 mg/l and to 0.76 +/- 0.10 mg/l in the control (P < 0.01). Zn levels in the milk of experimental cows on day 15 of lactation were 0.95 +/- 0.13 mg/l and in the milk of control group they were 0.82 +/- 0.14 mg/l. Colostrum specific weight from zinc-treated cows was 1,067.86 +/- 0.75 g/cm3 and 1,056.8 +/- 13.53 g/cm3 in the control. TP and IgC concentrations were 137.81 +/- 38.11 g/l and 110.13 +/- 29.91 U ZST, respectively, in the colostrum of experimental group, and 105.98 +/- 32.02 g/l and 85.53 +/- 25.42 U ZST, resp., in control animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Risk of abortion associated with Neospora caninum during different lactations and evidence of congenital transmission in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between exposure to Neospora caninum and abortion in dairy cows during their first, second, third, and fourth or later lactations and to establish the main mode of transmission in female calves from birth until their first pregnancy was terminated by abortion or parturition. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. ANIMALS: 460 Holstein cows and 79 female calves. PROCEDURE: Cows were classified as seropositive or seronegative to N caninum within 7 days after calving; incidence of abortion was compared between groups during different lactations. Blood samples were collected from female calves before ingestion of colostrum and every 6 months until their first pregnancy was terminated by abortion or parturition; number of seropositive calves was compared between seropositive and seronegative dams. RESULTS: During the first pregnancy of their second lactation, risk of abortion for seropositive cows was 2.8 times that of seronegative cows. Among 10 calves born to seropositive cows, 4 were classified as seropositive at birth and thereafter. Among 69 calves born to seronegative cows, all were classified as seronegative at birth; 67 calves remained seronegative thereafter. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Exposure to N caninum alone was not significantly associated with abortion in cows during the first, third, and fourth or later lactations. Seropositive cows that have aborted previously may have subsequent abortions attributable to N caninum. Congenital infection was the main mode of N caninum transmission in a cohort of female calves.     

Colostral volume and immunoglobulin G and M determinations in mares

Colostral volume and IgG and IgM concentrations were determined in 6 multiparous mares at foaling and them every 2 hours from 16 to 20 hours after parturition. Serum IgG and IgM concentrations at foaling also were determined in each mare. The rate of mammary secretion was 292 +/- 26 ml/h (range, 202 to 389 ml/h), and the colostral volume was 5.1 +/- 0.5 L (range, 3.2 to 7.0 L). The colostral IgG and IgM contents were 440 +/- 106 g (range, 199 to 855 g) and 3.1 +/- 0.9 g (range, 0.7 g to 7.1 g), respectively. There was no significant correlation between serum and initial colostral IgG and IgM concentration or between serum and total colostral IgG or IgM values. The colostral IgG and IgM concentrations at foaling correlated well with the total colostral IgG and IgM contents, respectively. The initial 250 ml of colostrum contained 10 +/- 1.4% (range, 6.0 to 13.9%) and 6 +/- 1.0% (range, 2.4 to 8.5%) of the total IgG and IgM contents, respectively, and the initial 500 ml of colostrum contained 20 +/- 2.7% (range 12.0 to 27.1%) and 14 +/- 1.2% (8.2 to 17%) of the total colostral IgG and IgM contents, respectively.     

Factors that influence passive transfer of immunoglobulins in foals.

Effects of farm management, breed, mare age, gestation duration, and climatologic factors on colostral specific gravity, colostral IgG concentration, and foal serum IgG concentration were evaluated. Climatologic variables measured were daily maximal, minimal, and mean air temperature, precipitation, average relative humidity, and total solar radiation. Presuckle, postpartum colostrum samples were collected from 140 Standardbred, 94 Thoroughbred, and 59 Arabian mares from January through June during 1985 and 1986. Thoroughbred (farm A, n = 61; farm B, n = 33) and Arabian (farm C, n = 45; farm D, n = 14) mares were located in Ocala, Fla; Standardbred mares (farm E) were in Montgomery, NY. Mares from farms A, B, D, and E foaled in box stalls, and mares from farm C foaled in sand paddocks. Mares with premature lactation greater than 12 hours were not included in the study. Foals were clinically normal at birth and suckled colostrum without assistance within 2 hours of parturition. Specific gravity of presuckle colostrum samples was measured by use of an equine colostrometer. Blood samples were collected 18 hours after parturition from 253 of the 293 foals (n = 45, 25, 32, 13, 138 on farms A through E, respectively) to determine serum concentration of IgG. The IgG concentrations in colostrum and serum were measured by single radial immunodiffusion. Data were analyzed by multiple regression or chi 2 analysis. The most important determinants of foal serum IgG concentration were the IgG content and specific gravity of presuckle colostrum samples (P less than 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The impact of cow nutrition in the dry period on colostrum quality and immune status of calves

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of energy contents in a dry period diets in "7+1" feeding strategy of dry cow including 7 weeks of the dry period (far-off) and 1 week of a close-up period, on colostrum quality and the immune status of calves. Forty Holstein multiparous cows were dried at 56d before the expected date of calving and were assigned to the higher energy diet group (HE; 0.69 UFL/kg DM, NDF 52% DM), or the lower energy diet group (LE; 0.61 UFL/1kg DM, NDF 56% DM). From -7d to the expected calving date up to 21 d of lactation, all cows were fed the same fresh, lactation diet. Samples of colostrum were collected within 2h after parturition and its density, dry matter content and concentrations of immunoglobulins, fat, protein, lactose, urea and somatic cell counts were measured. Calves were weighed 2 h after calving and on the 21d of life. On 3d and 21d of calves' life blood samples were collected and the concentration of IgG, IgA, IgM, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) as well as total protein and albumin concentrations were determined. Treatments had no significant effect on composition of colostrum and serum immunoglobulins and IGF-1 concentration. In both groups the weight of calves at birth was similar, still daily body weight gain during 21 day of rearing period in HE group was higher than in the LE group (P=0.05).     

Serum IgG Concentrations after Intravenous Serum Transfusion in a Randomized Clinical Trial in Dairy Calves with Inadequate Transfer of Colostral Immunoglobulins

Background: Plasma transfusions have been used clinically in the management of neonates with failure of passive transfer. No studies have evaluated the effect of IV serum transfusions on serum IgG concentrations in dairy calves with inadequate transfer of passive immunity.
Hypothesis: A commercially available serum product will increase serum immunoglobulin concentration in calves with inadequate transfer of colostral immunoglobulins.
Animals: Thirty-two Jersey and Jersey-Holstein cross calves with inadequate colostral transfer of immunoglobulins (serum total protein <5.0 g/L).
Methods: Thirty-two calves were randomly assigned to either control (n = 15) or treated (n = 17) groups. Treated calves received 0.5 L of a pooled serum product IV. Serum IgG concentrations before and after serum transfusion were determined by radial immunodiffusion.
Results: Serum protein concentrations increased from time 0 to 72 hours in both control and transfused calves and the difference was significant between the control and treatment groups ( P < .001). Mean pre- and posttreatment serum IgG concentrations in control and transfused calves did not differ significantly. Median serum IgG concentrations decreased from 0 to 72 hours by 70 mg/dL in control calves and increased over the same time interval in transfused calves by 210 mg/dL. The difference was significant between groups ( P < .001). The percentage of calves that had failure of immunoglobulin transfer 72 hours after serum transfusion was 82.4%.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serum administration at the dosage reported did not provide adequate serum IgG concentrations in neonatal calves with inadequate transfer of colostral immunoglobulins.     

Serum lactoferrin concentrations in colostrum-fed calves

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum lactoferrin concentrations (SLFC) in neonatal calves before and after ingestion of colostrum and to develop models that predict SLFC as a function of colostral lactoferrin concentrations (CLFC) in calves. ANIMALS: 13 Holstein calves. PROCEDURE: Calves were fed 4 L of colostrum via oroesophageal feeder within 3 hours after birth. Serum samples were collected before ingestion of colostrum (day 0) and 2, 4, 6, and 7 days after birth. Colostrum and serum IgG concentrations were measured by use of radial immunodiffusion. The CLFC and SLFC were determined by use of an ELISA. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD SLFC on days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 7 were 2.5+/-1.6 (range 0.47 to 71), 6.0+/-3.0 (range 2.0 to 16.6), 12.0+/-12.4 (range 0.0 to 43.5), 171+/-13.6 (range 2.2 to 39.4), and 13.6+/-16.4 (range 0.0 to 43.8) mg/ml, respectively. The SLFC on days 6 and 7 differed significantly from SLFC on day 0. The model that best estimated SLFC on day 6 predicted that (SLFC)2 was a function of the logarithm of relative efficiency of passive transfer (REPT) and ([CLFC]2 x [REPT]2), where R2 = 0.4. The model for SLFC on day 7 predicted that (SLFC)2 was a function of log(REPT), where R2 = 0.44. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Definitive evidence for passive transfer of lactoferrin via colostrum is lacking, because SLFC on day 2 or 4 were not significantly different than day 0. Relative efficiency of lactoferrin absorption was directly related to SLFC on day 6 but inversely related to SLFC on day 7.     

Glucocorticoid receptor down-regulation in neutrophils of periparturient cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of parturition on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in neutrophils, serum cortisol concentration, and total blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts in periparturient dairy cows. ANIMALS: 23 Holstein cows. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected from 8 multiparous and 5 primiparous periparturient cows at various times from 28 days before parturition until 14 days after parturition. Glucocorticoid receptor expression in neutrophils, serum cortisol concentration, and total blood leukocyte and neutrophil counts were determined. Results were compared with results from control samples obtained from 5 multiparous and 5 primiparous Holstein cows in midpregnancy. RESULTS: Neutrophils from periparturient cows had 49% reduction in GR expression at calving, compared with GR expression 2 to 4 weeks before calving, and 39% reduction, compared with neutrophils from cows in midpregnancy. Reduction in neutrophil GR expression began 1 week before calving and was most severe at calving and 24 hours after calving; a significant difference in GR expression was detected between primiparous and multiparous cows. Serum cortisol concentrations and total leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly increased at calving and returned to baseline values by 24 hours after calving. Significant negative correlations were detected between neutrophil GR expression and serum cortisol concentration, total leukocyte count, and neutrophil count. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Reduced GR expression in blood neutrophils of periparturient dairy cows was associated with increased serum cortisol concentrations, leukocytosis, and neutrophilia. Thus, GR down-regulation in neutrophils may be involved in periparturient neutrophil dysregulation and may cause increased susceptibility to mastitis.