The Association between Colostral density and immunoglubulin concentrations of Dairy Cattle

ABSTRACT

The colostrum contains diverse and numerous immunoglobulins. The neonatal calf obtains majority of passive immunity from colostrum, which especially has huge effects on calf health. Historically, the amount of immunoglobulins in colostrum has been predicted through the density of the colostrum, but this correlation has not yet been clearly determined. In this study, we determined the correlation between the density and the immunoglobulin concentration, the difference between Holstein and Jersey cattle, and the impact by parity number. Densities were measured with Cruise densimeter. The concentration of immunoglobulins was assayed by ELISA. The concentration of total immunoglobulin G (IgG) and antibody against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) tend to increase following the density of the colostrum. However, the level of antibody against rota-corona virus was not positively correlated with the density. Regarding species and parity effects, interestingly, Holstein cows had significantly higher values in total IgG and FMDV antibody than Jersey cows. Multiparous dairy cows produced colostrums with higher concentrations of total IgG, FMDV antibody than primiparous dairy cows.