Influence of the use of pasteurised colostrum in terms of weight gain and clinical signs in Holstein cattle.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate if on-farm pasteurization of colostrum can improve calf health status and morbidity rates during the first 8 weeks of age. A total of 16 newborn Holstein calves were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups with a representation of both genders. The two groups had one colostrum feed (4 L pasteurized or unpasteurized) in the first 6 hours of life and then they were kept under the same conditions (housing, feeding and vaccination schedule). The calves were sampled at 72 hours of age and then weekly until weaning at 8 weeks of life. Blood samples were drawned to obtain serum to assess IgG concentration, in Brix degree, using a digital refractometer. Weekly weight, temperature, respiratory signs and incidence of diarrhea were also registered. Pasteurization of colostrum proved to increase weight gain in calves and IgG level in serum, although this last variable was not able to show a statistically significant interaction with colostrum pasteurization. It was also not a determining factor in the appearance of digestive and respiratory signs in this period.