The quality of colostrum and vitality of calves, born from cows with different reaction to stress experiences

Abstract

The article presents the results of studying cortisol concentration and creatine phosphokinase activity in the blood serum of 40 half-sib Ukrainian black and white dairy cows an hour after planned blood extraction, which was a stress experience. We divided the cows into three groups according to the distribution of cortisol concentration in the animals: I – high, II – average and III – low stress resistance. During the research, the cows from these groups were in their fourth month of lactation after their first calving. They were kept untethered in their summer quarters, natural pastures. The aim of the research was to identify the differences in the quality of colostrum, the vitality of the calves up to the age of 6 months, the vitality of the mother-cows, and also the influence of their different adaptation potentials in cases of abortion and stillborn calves among the cows from different groups. At the dairy complex where the research was conducted, the quality of the cows’ colostrum is not monitored. This is typical for most dairy plants of Ukraine. We found that the classes of A and M immunoglobulins did not depend upon which particular groups the animals belonged to, whereas the content of immunoglobulins of class G is 6.7 g/l higher, and the content of total protein is 8.9 g/l higher in the yield of colostrum of the cows from group 1. The influence of cows’ different levels of resistance to stress experiences on their incidence of abortions and stillborn calves was not determined. Gastroenteritis occurred among calves of cows from group 3 three times more often than with those of group 1. Vitality of calves from cows of groups 1 and 2 was significantly higher. Therefore, technological stress experiences of mother-cows have a negative effect upon the quality of colostrum and upon the vitality of calves. This factor ought to be taken into consideration in the exploitation of animals, especially during pregnancy in order to minimise stress and help individuals with less strong nervous systems. Solving the complex problems of increasing the vitality of calves involves in part guaranteeing their provision with colostrum immunity by compulsory control of the colostrum’ quality using a special aerometer (Colostrometer).

Effect of herbal feed additives on the quality of colostrum, immunological indicators of newborn calves blood and growth energy of young animals

“…The concentration of IgG in the serum of newborns is an important factor in preventing the morbidity and death of calves (Elsohaby et al, 2019) and depends on the quality of colostrum. Citing data from foreign researchers, it is reported (Chernenko et al, 2017) that mortality among calves with serum Ig less than 12 mg/ml 24.8 hours after birth was 6.8 %, and with a blood Ig concentration above 12 mg / ml only 3.3 %. It was noted (Wilm et al, 2018) that immediately after birth, before feeding the colostrum, the content of STP and IgG were respectively at the levels of 46.1 and 6.0 g/l.…”

“…It was noted (Ellis et al, 2018) that feeding colostrum with 150g of IgG provided sufficient production of antibodies to respiratory syncytial virus (PC virus) in the nasal mucosa of calves, and therefore the study of colostrum in a practical environment using a special hydrometer (colostrometer) can be considered as one of the simple and reliable methods of quality control (Chernenko et al, 2017). The existence of a reliable relationship between the content of immunoglobulins of classes G and M in the serum of threemonth-old calves with signs of their milk productivity (r = 0,31-0,63; P <0,05), allows to confirm the feasibility of immunological studies of blood for early prognosis of dairy cow productivity (Milostiviy et al, 2018a).…”

“…Insufficient amount of immunoglobulins synthesized by the fetus is not able to protect it effectively after birth. Immunoglobulins supplied with colostrum remain the only source of passive immunity, so the constant monitoring of its quality will allow reliable transmission of passive immunity to calves (Chernenko et al, 2017). Scientists believe that controlling of colostrum feeding and improving nutrition before heifers weaning will have a positive effect on the mammary gland formation (Vailati-Riboni et al, 2018) and further cow productivity (Makau et al, 2018;Milostiviy et al, 2018b), as immunobiological indicators of blood are closely linked with the productive qualities of livestock (Milostiviy et al, 2018a;Elsohaby et al, 2019).…”

Economic trait of cows with different duration of prenatal growth period

“…Але неможливо стверджувати, що плід зовсім не підлягає зовнішньому впливу. Відомо, що рівень годівлі та склад раціону, хвороби і функціональна напруга організму матері відображаються на розвитку плоду -його величині, здоров'ї, тривалості пренатального розвитку і життєздатності (Wolfenson et al, 2000;Hansen et al, 2002;Tao et al, 2012;Merlot et al, 2013;Strong et al, 2015;Guo et al, 2016;Monteiro et al, 2016;Azzam et al, 2017;Chernenko et al, 2017).…”

Effect of vermicompost on yield, quality and antibacterial activity of garlic.

“…While it was established (Chrousos, 2000) that under stress glucocorticoids block the effects of growth hormone, thyrotropin, inhibit the activity of osteoblasts, which leads to deterioration of the condition of bones and the occurrence of osteoporosis of bones, a depressive state occurs, sexual function and the immune system are suppressed, and obesity can occur. The results of scientists' studies indicate that stress takes the body out of balance and often leads to impaired reproductive function, poor health, and decreased animal productivity (Grandin & Shivley, 2015;Chernenko at al., 2017;Kastelic et al, 2018;Kasimanickam et al, 2019). Under the conditions of industrial technology for keeping bulls, their body is constantly exposed to operational loads that can cause them to become stressed.…”