Risk factors for poor colostrum quality and failure of passive transfer in Scottish dairy calves

Haggerty, A., Mason, C., Ellis, K. and Denholm, K. (2021) Risk factors for poor colostrum quality and failure of passive transfer in Scottish dairy calves. Journal of Dairy Research, 88(3), pp. 337-342. (doi: 10.1017/S0022029921000686) (PMID:34392844)

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Abstract

Failure of passive transfer (FPT) has health, welfare and economic implications for calves. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration of 370 dairy calf serum samples from 38 Scottish dairy farms was measured via radial immunodiffusion (RID) to determine FPT prevalence. IgG concentration, total bacteria count (TBC) and total coliform count (TCC) of 252 colostrum samples were also measured. A questionnaire was completed at farm enrollment to investigate risk factors for FPT and poor colostrum quality at farm-level. Multivariable mixed effect logistic and linear regressions were carried out to determine significant risk factors for FPT and colostrum quality. Prevalence of FPT at calf level was determined to be 14.05%. Of 252 colostrum samples, 111 (44.05%) failed to meet Brix thresholds for colostrum quality. Of these 28 and 38 samples also exceeded TBC and TCC thresholds, respectively. Increased time between parturition and colostrum harvesting was numerically (non-significantly) associated with a colostrum Brix result <22%, and increased time spent in a bucket prior to feeding or storing was significantly associated with high TBC (≥100 000 cfu/ml and also ≥10 000 cfu/ml). High TBC values in colostrum were significantly associated with lower serum IgG concentrations. This study highlights associations between colostrum quality and FPT in dairy calves as well as potential risk factors for reduced colostrum quality; recommending some simple steps producers can take to maximise colostrum quality on farm.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was supported by the Hannah Research Foundation and the University of Glasgow James Herriot Fund (grant number 146135-01). The British Cattle Veterinary Association is also acknowledged for their support of the project. SRUC Veterinary Services receives funding from the Scottish Government's Veterinary Advisory Programme.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Denholm, Mrs Katie and Haggerty, Alexandra and Mason, Mr Colin and Ellis, Dr Kathryn
Authors: Haggerty, A., Mason, C., Ellis, K., and Denholm, K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Journal of Dairy Research
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:0022-0299
ISSN (Online):1469-7629
Published Online:16 August 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Journal of Dairy Research 88(3): 337-342
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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