Colostrum Feeding In Dairy Calves
Colostrum
feeding is very important for calves' health during the first 24 hours after birth, Calves
can absorb maximum antibodies from the gut into the bloodstream. This type of immunity
directly from the mother to the calves is called "passive immunity."
Passive
immunity is very important to protect the calf from diseases until its own
immune system becomes considerably functional. Calves are at greater risk of
illness between the passive immunity provided by the colostrum and the calves
own immunity.
Vaccination programme for the pregnant cow of heifer is very
important to develop passive immunity in the new born claves. A Pregnant cow
can be given some vaccine like clostridial, Rota corona etc.
Factors affecting the IgG concentration in
colostrum
Factor that affect immunoglobulin concentration in colostrum.
1. First milking volume
Cows
that produce large volume during its first day of milking have smaller quantity
of Iggs as compared to low producer cows.
2. Immune status of the cow
Disease
and health status of cow also indicates immunoglobulin level.
3. Time between calving and first milking
During
first 24 Hours of calving IgGs level is maximum in milk
4. Leaking milk prepartum or milking before
calving
Leakage
reduces the level of immunoglobulin due to dilution.
5. Length of the dry period
Dry
period is most important to concentrate the IgGs in cow.
6. Age of the cow
Older Cows
in third or greater lactation generally produce colostrum with more IGgs than
younger cows.
7. Dry cow nutrition
A
balanced diet that meets current recommendations for protein, energy, minerals,
and vitamins is a good preventive strategy.
8. Breed
Jerseys
have the highest levels of antibodies, HF have the lowest.
9. Season of the year
Environmental
Stress And Fodder Quality also affects immunoglobulin
Comments