Effect of delayed colostrum collection on colostral IgG concentration in dairy cows.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of timing of first-milking colostrum collection on colostral IgG concentration.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
13 healthy Holstein cows.


METHODS
All calvings were observed. After parturition, calves were not allowed to suckle and were separated from the dam. Colostrum was collected from a single randomly selected quarter at 2, 6, 10, and 14 hours after parturition until all 4 quarters were sampled. Colostral IgG concentration was determined via radial immunodiffusion.


RESULTS
Mean colostral IgG concentration was 113, 94, 82, and 76 g/L at 2, 6, 10, and 14 hours after calving, respectively. Colostrum collected 6, 10, and 14 hours after calving had significantly lower IgG concentrations than did colostrum collected 2 hours after calving. Mean colostral IgG concentration at 14 hours after calving was significantly lower than that at 6 hours after calving. Cows in their third or greater lactation had mean colostral IgG concentrations 2 hours after calving (132 g/L) that were greater than the first and second lactation cows (mean, 95 and 100 g/L, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that early or immediate colostrum collection from dairy cows will maximize colostral IgG concentration. Adjustment of routine dairy farm management procedures may be required to maximize colostrum quality and minimize prevalence of failure of passive transfer in dairy calves.
Moore
Malantus
M
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
Tyler
Jeff W
JW
Chigerwe
Munashe
M
Dawes
Maisie E
ME
Middleton
John R
JR
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D003126:Colostrum / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005779:Immunodiffusion / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D007774:Lactation / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D007074:Immunoglobulin G