Changes in colostrum of Murrah buffaloes after calving

Colostrum samples were collected from 8 Murrah buffaloes on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 after calving. Levels of IgG averaged 54.0 mg/ml at calving, then decreased significantly (P < 0.01). IgA and IgM on day 1 were 3.22 mg/ml and 5.22 mg/ml, respectively; both decreased during the first five days after calving. Values of IgA and IgM were higher than those reported in cows. SCC values, which were high at calving (500 000 per ml), reduced significantly (P < 0.01) on day 2, then decreased slightly until day 5 (180 000 per ml). At calving, macrophages were the most prominent cells in buffalo colostrum, followed by lymphocytes and neutrophils. Phagocytic activity was 23% at calving and reduced significantly (P < 0.01) to 14% on day 5. Phagocytic index was highest in the first colostrum, and then decreased non-significantly.