Evaluation of Factors Affecting Colostrum Quality and Quantity in Holstein Dairy Cattle

Abstract

The objective of this study was to conduct a large-scale investigation of colostrum composition and yield and an evaluation of factors affecting them. In this study, 1017 clinically healthy Holstein cows from 10 farms were used. The colostrum TS were measured using a digital Brix refractometer. Fat, protein and lactose content were determined using an infrared Milk Analyzer. Statistical analysis was conducted using a series of univariate general linear models. The mean (±SD) percentage of colostrum fat, protein, lactose and TS content were 6.37 (3.33), 17.83 (3.97), 2.15 (0.73) and 25.80 (4.68), respectively. Parity had a significant positive effect on the protein and TS content and a negative one on fat content. The time interval between calving and colostrum collection had a significant negative effect on the fat, protein and TS contents and a positive one on lactose. Colostrum yield had a significant negative effect on the protein and TS content, and it was affected by all factors considered. In addition to TS, the evaluation of the colostrum fat content appears essential when neonates’ energy needs are considered. The Brix refractometer, an inexpensive and easy to use devise, can be used effectively in colostrum quality monitoring.

Delayed First Milking in Unassisted Overnight Calving Did Not Affect the Quality of Colostrum but Influenced Serum Brix Refractometry in Holstein Calves at Two Days of Life

“…In our observation, the colostrum Brix was 27.43% ± 2.42%, which is greater than that found by Turini et al [1] but similar to that reported by Sutter et al [2] and Soufleri et al [6]. The average reported here was well above the minimum suggested cutoff of 21% [3].…”

“…Studies on the effect of collection time on colostrum quality often reported inconclusive results. For example, in the study by Sutter et al [2], cows that calved during the night (from 22.00 to 6.00) showed decreased colostrum Brix% compared to dams delivering during the day, while Soufleri et al [6] reported a slight decrease (1 Brix%) in colostrum collected 6 h after parturition. Lessler et al [26] and Van Keulen et al [8] found no difference, but in the latter case the authors compared the colostrum of dams milked within 12 h after calving and those milked from 18 to 24 h later and some cows from this group were also suckled.…”

“…It is generally suggested to collect and feed colostrum soon after calving to avoid both the dilution effect of immune-globulins and the progressive impermeability of the calf's gut [3,6]. However, in the field context some calvings occur during the night hours, when farm personnel are not present.…”

“…Optical and digital refractometry can estimate the total solid content of a solution. Serum and colostrum can be assessed for Total Protein content and, in the last instance, for a proxy measurement of immune-globulin concentration [6]. Good reliability between RID and Brix refractometry has been demonstrated for the evaluation of colostrum quality and for calf serum IgG estimation [3,5].…”

“…However, a Brix > 21% identifies a good-quality colostrum (IgG ≥ 50 g/L), while Brix > 8.4% for calf serum (IgG ≥ 10-12 g/L) is representative of a good passive transfer within the first week of life [1,5,8]. The interval between calving and first milking can influence the IgG content of colostrum due to a progressive dilution effect, particularly when collection is carried out more than 6 h after parturition [6]. Milking dams as soon as possible after calving is recommended to ensure a good-quality colostrum.…”