IgG1 variations in the colostrum of Holstein dairy cows

Abstract

High-immune quality colostrum (IgG1 concentration ⩾50 g/l) is crucial for the health and development of the young calf. Studies on colostrum quality tend to focus on external factors such as breed, parity or dry period length, but few have focused on within-cow variations. Here we ran experiments to gain a deeper insight into within-cow variation in IgG1 concentrations in dairy cow colostrum. Trials were performed in an experimental farm, located in the Western part of France. Colostrum from each quarter and a composite sample (mix of four quarters) were concomitantly collected on 77 Holstein dairy cows just after calving to assess the influence of sample type on IgG1 concentrations. Variation in IgG1 concentrations during the first milking was studied on samples from nine cows collected every minute from the start of milking. Repeatability of colostral IgG1 concentration was estimated from 2009 and 2010 data on 16 healthy cows. IgG1 concentrations were tested using a radial immunodiffusion method. Sensitivity and specificity were similar regardless of sample type tested (individual quarter or composite milk). Mean average IgG1 concentration was 54.1 g/l in composite colostrum, and was significantly higher in hind quarter teats (56.2 g/l) than front quarter teats (53.1 g/l). Average IgG1 concentration did not change significantly during colostrum milking, and the variations observed (15% or less) were likely due to the laboratory method (CV 15%). IgG1 concentrations in dam colostrum increased slightly from 2009 to 2010 due to BW and parity effects. In 56% of cases, colostrum quality could have been assessed on either individual or composite colostrum samples collected at any time during the first milking without affecting the reliability of the measurement. However, in other cases, differences were significant enough to mean that estimates of average IgG1 concentration in colostrum from any one quarter would not be reliable. It is concluded that colostrum quality, from an IgG1 concentration point of view, could be assessed with a composite sample taken at any time during the first milking.

Determination of immunoglobulin concentrations and genetic parameters for colostrum and calf serum in Charolais animals

“…The proportions of the different immunoglobulins found in colostrum were in line with those reported in the literature, with more than 90% IgG (Elfstrand et al, 2002;Kehoe et al, 2007;Godden, 2008). The raw means for immunoglobulin levels in colostrum were within the same range as those already reported in beef cattle (Guy et al, 1994;Murphy et al, 2005;Allemand, 2008), but higher than most values reported in dairy cattle studies (e.g., Kehoe et al, 2007;Bartier et al, 2015;Morrill et al, 2015;Le Cozler et al, 2016). This influence of breed on colostrum immunoglobulin levels has been widely demonstrated (Muller and Ellinger, 1981;Weaver et al, 2000), and some authors have suggested that the difference between dairy and beef breeds might be due to a dilution effect (Guy et al, 1994;Godden, 2008) the least colostrum.…”

“…In addition, successful passive transfer has also been associated with better growth performance as well as superior milk production in adulthood (Faber et al, 2005). Recent literature in the dairy field has insisted on the importance of offering sufficient quantities of colostrum containing high levels of IgG (50 mg/mL or more) soon after birth to maximize the chances of successful passive transfer (Jaster, 2005;Le Cozler et al, 2016). However, it has also been shown that not all cows are able to produce colostrum of this quality (Gulliksen et al, 2008;Quigley et al, 2013;Le Cozler et al, 2016).…”

Effects of β‐carotene‐enriched dry carrots on β‐carotene status and colostral immunoglobulin in β‐carotene‐deficient Japanese Black cows

“…Colostral IgG and IgM originate from bovine plasma, while colostral IgA is synthesized within the mammary glands by plasma cells which have migrated from the gastrointestinal tract to the mammary glands (Wheeler et al ; Taniguchi et al ). Colostral IgG 1 concentrations in the control group as well as the carrot group were above the sufficient level of 50 mg/mL in dairy cows (Cozler et al ), but colostral IgG 1 in beef cows were greater than those in dairy cows (Gui et al . ).…”

“…). IgG 1 is the most frequent IgG isotype in bovine colostrum, and research consistently shows the importance of a sufficient amount of colostrum containing 50 g/L or higher levels of IgG 1 to feed newborn calves immediately after birth (Cozler et al ). IgA is the most abundant Ig isotype in mucosal secretions and provides protection against microbial antigens at mucosal surfaces in the guts (Fagarasan & Honjo ; Mora & von Andrian ), and feeding whey protein enhances mucosal IgA induction in the guts of Japanese Black calves (Yasumatsuya et al ).…”

Effects of supplemental β‐carotene on colostral immunoglobulin and plasma β‐carotene and immunoglobulin in Japanese Black cows

“…The bovine mammary gland plays an active role in regulating Ig concentrations in colostrum for the host defense of the mammary glands in cows and the sufficient passive immunity in neonatal calves (Stelwagen et al., ). The sufficient amount of colostral IgG 1 was determined as 50 mg/ml or higher for newborn dairy calves immediately after birth (Cozler et al., ). Colostral IgG 1 concentrations in Japanese Black cows in the previous study (Nishijima et al., ) and the control group in the present study were above 50 mg/ml.…”