Colostrum Feeding –A Critical Phase of Newborn Calf

Colostrum Feeding –A Critical Phase of Newborn Calf
Babul Rudra Paul1*, Jitendra Singh Gandhar2, Ujjwal Kumar De3
1. Ph.D Scholar, Division of Medicine, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Izatnagar, U.P
2. M.V.Sc. Scholar, Division of MedicineIndian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Izatnagar, U.P
3. Senior scientist, TVCC-ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar, U.P

*Corresponding author: babulpaul16@gmail.com

Introduction

Colostrum is thick, reddish-yellow color,first milk produce by cow immediately following parturition.Compare to whole milk, it is rich in cytokines, growth factors as well as have high nutritive value that considerimportantfor calf nutrition, health and survival. Specifically,the colostrum contain higher concentrations of immunoglobulin (antibodies), which is of particular importance in conferring passive immunity to give protection from common neonatal diseases.

Colostrum feeding

An easy way to remember the best practice for colostrum feeding is “Colostrum 1-2-3” rules.

1.Use colostrum from the first milking as first feed
2.Give colostrum within two hours from birth
3.Give at least three liters

Table 1: Nutrition comparison-colostrum and whole milk
Ingredients (%) Colostrum Whole milk
Total solids 23.9 12.9
Total protein 14.0 4.0
Casein 4.8 2.5
Fat 6.7 4.0
Lactose 2.7 4.9
Minerals 1.11 0.74
Immunoglobulins 6.0 0.09
Vit-A (µg/dl) 295 34

Importance of Colostrum Feeding

 Colostrum is a high quality nutritional and energy source for the newborn calf
 Immunologic benefits of colostrum- morbidity and mortality of calves decreases before weaning
 Antimicrobial properties of the colostrum- Lactoferrin, a component of colostrum, has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli), fungi, viruses, and protozoa
 Mild laxative effect- helps in removal of first feces, known as meconium
 Colostrum benefit in the long-term productivity and longevity of the cow
Key Factors In Successful Transfer of Immunoglobulin
It is essential that a newborn calf should receive adequate quantity of quality colostrum within a specific time to enhance the chance of survival.
1) Quality of colostrum: Among different types of immunoglobulin, IgG accounts for about 85% of the total volume. A good quality colostrum contain IgG more than 50g/L. The maximum concentration of IgG is found immediately after calving.The best quality of colostrum is secreted within first two hrsof calving. Thoughgood quality colostrum can be collected upto maximum delay of 6 hrs but quality decreases over time.
2) Quantity of colostrum to feed: An adequate volume of colostrum feeding is required for complete transfer of passive immunity to calf. It should be about 10 % of the body weight of the calf. The first feed of colostrum should be at least three liters.
3) Timing of colostrum feeding: Theage of a calf is the most important factor affecting efficient absorption of immunoglobulin molecules. The highest absorption capacity in calf is within 2 hours after birth and decreases after each hour. Finally this “passive transfer” is completely ceases 24 hours after birth.Therefore, the earlier a calf is fed after birth, the greater the level of IgG absorption.
4) Bacterial contamination: Bacterial contamination of colostrum should be minimized as much as possible because it bind with antibodies which decreases the efficient transport of antibody.Failure of the calf to absorb sufficient IgG from colostrum is referred as “failure in the transfer of passive immunity (FTPI)
Factors Affecting Concentration of Immunoglobulin in Colostrum
1) Breed : Generally colostrum from beef breeds is of better quality than in dairy breeds
2) Lactation number/parity: In1stand 2ndlactation cows produce colostrum oflow quality (IgG<50g/L) than cows in their 3rdand 5thlactation. 3) Time of first milking:Up to six hours post-calving, colostrum has the greatest mean IgG concentration. Colostral IgG concentration decreases by 3.7% during delay of collection in each subsequent hour. 4) Length of dry period:The cows with sorterdry period of less than three weekstends to produce low quality colostrum.

5) Months of calving:The cow parturating in month of April/May observed to produce low quality colostrum than cow calving in the months of the spring or in the autumn. Artificial Methods of Colostrum Feeding: Calves should not be left to suckle the dam by them self and must be monitoring and assisted for supplementing colostrum to the new born calves. Because due to delay in suckling of colostrum,these animals experience a high rate of failure of passive transfer. Thereason for delay in suckling include a low, pendulous udder, large teats, or poor mothering ability less likely to receive adequate transfer of immunity.Artificial methods of feeding usually accomplished by removing the calf from the dam within 1-2 hours of birth then hand feeding a known volume of colostrum using either a)Nipple bottle feeders b) Stomach tubes. Conclusion Colostrum management is considered the single most important management factor in determining health, survival of the neonatal calf and likely the productivity of the cattle. Different farm and calf level factors can influence the adequate absorption of immunoglobulin in newborn calf. So, dairy farmers should take careabout those factors when planning a proper protocol for colostrum feeding in farms.