Colostrum Supplementation as an Aid for Improving Health and Growth Performance of Preweaned Holstein Dairy Calves ()
ABSTRACT
The adjective of this study was to determine the
effect of partial replacement of whole milk with second- and
third-milking colostrum on the
health status and growth performance of preweaned Holstein dairy calves. A
minimum of 110 calves of 2 - 3 days old Holstein Friesian calves were enrolled and randomly allocated
to two treatment groups 1) CS—colostrum supplement
group and 2) UC—unsupplemented control
group. The CS group of calves received pooled second and third milking
colostrum with Brix reading between 19 and 24% (mean 21.8% ± 1.75%) as
colostrum supplement (one liter mixed with 3 L of whole milk), and UC group of
calves received 4 L of whole milk in each of the 2 daily meals for 14 days.
Serum IgG levels were determined to evaluate passive
transfer of immunity. Milk and grain
consumption was recorded for 28 days by research personnel. All calves were
weighted at entry of the trial, at 28 days and at weaning (65 days). Calves
receiving supplemental colostrum had less diarrhea and respiratory disease than
control calves. Also, the results indicated that health problems were
associated with low serum IgG levels and low-weight
calves. Grain consumption and average daily gain (ADG) over 28 days of
life were greater in CS group of calves compared with UC group of calves.
Colostrum supplementation during the first
14 days of life in calves was effective in reading diarrheal and bovine
respiratory diseases and in the use of antimicrobials. Further studies are
needed to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in beneficial effects of
colostrum supplementation on calf growth and health.
Share and Cite:
Constantin, G. and Mihaela, R. (2022) Colostrum Supplementation as an Aid for Improving Health and Growth Performance of Preweaned Holstein Dairy Calves.
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
12, 712-720. doi:
10.4236/ojas.2022.124049.
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