The influence of colostrum supply on immunoglobulin G, glucose, total protein, triglycerides, lactate and cortisol concentrations of 18 Holstein calves, was evaluated. Calves were allotted to three treatments, T1 - calves were separated from cows 6h after birth, nursing 30 minutes a day in their mothers, twice a day in the first three days; T2 - calves were separated 6h after birth, and in the first three days they received colostrum through nipple bottles twice a day, 2l/meal; and T3 - calves remained all the time with cows during the first three days. Blood samples were taken at times 0; 12; 24; 48; 72 and 96h after birth. IgG levels were higher in T3 than in T1 at 24h (P<0.10). Glucose levels were higher in T3 than in the other treatments (P<0.10). Total protein levels in T2 were higher than in T1 (P<0.10). Cortisol and lactate concentrations at birth were higher in all treatments (P<0.10). Howewer, T2 would be more indicated for its feasibility.
calf; suckling; weaning; immunoglobulin G; stress
