Serum IgG and total protein concentrations in dairy calves fed two colostrum replacement products.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate effects of 2 commercially available colostrum replacement products on serum IgG and total protein concentrations in dairy calves.


METHODS
Prospective clinical trial.


METHODS
84 Holstein bull calves from a single dairy.


METHODS
Calves were randomly assigned to be given 4 quarts of colostrum (group 1; n = 21), 2 packages of a colostrum replacement product (product A; group 2; 21), 1 package of a different colostrum replacement product (product B; group 3; 21), or 2 packages of product B (group 4; 21). Treatments were given within 3 hours after birth, and blood samples were collected 24 hours later and submitted for determination of serum total protein and IgG concentrations.


RESULTS
Group 1 calves had significantly higher serum total protein and IgG concentrations than did calves in the other 3 groups. However, the percentage of calves with adequate passive transfer (ie, serum IgG concentration > 1,000 mg/dL) was not significantly different among groups 1 (90%), 3 (81%), and 4 (95%). In contrast, only 10% of calves in group 2 had adequate passive transfer. It was predicted that calves fed product B that had serum total protein concentrations > 5.2 g/dL would have serum IgG concentrations > 1,000 mg/dL at least 90% of the time.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that product B could be considered as an alternative to colostrum in dairy calves, but product A failed to routinely provide adequate serum IgG concentrations when fed according to label directions.
Foster
Derek M
DM
Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
Smith
Geof W
GW
Sanner
Truman R
TR
Busso
Gonzalo V
GV
D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D002417:Cattle / Q000276:immunology*; D003126:Colostrum / Q000276:immunology; D005526:Food, Formulated; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation
D001798:Blood Proteins; D007074:Immunoglobulin G