Variability growth rate of dairy breeds calves depending on colostrum quality

Variabilidade da taxa de crescimento de bezerros de raças leiteiras em função da qualidade do colostro

Abstract

Successful rearing of heifers largely depends on the supply of colostrum in the initial period of postnatal ontogenesis. The need to feed colostrum for 2-3 hours after birth is explained by the establishment of passive immunity in calves, and the amount of colostrum directly correlates with the prevention of diseases. In addition, an enhanced feeding regimen with milk or milk replacer during the milk period of rearing not only affects growth, but also promotes the development of all organs and systems. Scientific research was conducted at “Turar” LLP, Fedorov district, Kostanay region, Republic of Kazakhstan. The object of the research were Holstein animals. It was found that feeding colostrum with an immunoglobulin content of more than 22% on the Brix scale contributes to an increase in immunoglobulins in the blood serum on the 3rd day after birth to 7.0 g/dl and more. This has a positive effect on the dynamics of live weight growth of heifers from the first days of life, as well as on the protein and mineral levels at the end of the milk period of rearing. Thus, heifers with the immunoglobulin in serum level of 7.0 g/dl and higher reliably outperformed their peers with the immunoglobulin in serum level of 5.0 g/dl in live weight gain by 5.1-6.7% and in relative growth rate by 4%. As a result of the data obtained during the study, it can be concluded that the higher the immunoglobulin level in colostrum, the more immunoglobulins are transferred to newborn calves, which contributes to high protection against potentially pathogenic microflora and maintaining a high immune status of young animals, as well as high rates of live weight gain. Thus, the average daily gain over the period was 703 g for the first group and 753 g for the heifers of the second group, with a difference of 50 g (P<0.01).

Keywords:
holstein breed; calves; colostrum; immunoglobulins; body weight; absolute; average daily and relative growth

Resumo

O sucesso da criação de novilhas depende em grande parte do fornecimento de colostro no período inicial da ontogênese pós-natal. A necessidade de fornecer colostro por 2 a 3 horas após o nascimento é explicada pelo estabelecimento da imunidade passiva nos bezerros, e a quantidade de colostro está diretamente relacionada à prevenção de doenças. Além disso, um regime de alimentação reforçado com leite ou substituto durante o período de criação não apenas afeta o crescimento, mas também promove o desenvolvimento de todos os órgãos e sistemas. Pesquisas científicas foram conduzidas na empresa “Turar” LLP, distrito de Fedorov, região de Kostanay, República do Cazaquistão. O objeto da pesquisa foram animais da raça Holandesa. Constatou-se que a alimentação com colostro contendo teor de imunoglobulinas superior a 22% na escala Brix contribui para um aumento das imunoglobulinas no soro sanguíneo no 3º dia após o nascimento para 7,0 g/dL ou mais. Isso tem um efeito positivo na dinâmica do crescimento do peso vivo das novilhas desde os primeiros dias de vida, bem como nos níveis de proteína e minerais ao final do período de criação. Assim, novilhas com nível sérico de imunoglobulina de 7,0 g/dL ou superior superaram de forma confiável seus pares com nível sérico de imunoglobulina de 5,0 g/dL em ganho de peso vivo em 5,1-6,7% e em taxa de crescimento relativo em 4%. Como resultado dos dados obtidos durante o estudo, pode-se concluir que quanto maior o nível de imunoglobulina no colostro, mais imunoglobulinas são transferidas para os bezerros recém-nascidos, o que contribui para uma alta proteção contra a microflora potencialmente patogênica e para a manutenção de um alto estado imunológico dos animais jovens, bem como para altas taxas de ganho de peso vivo. Assim, o ganho médio diário durante o período foi de 703 g para o primeiro grupo e de 753 g para as novilhas do segundo grupo, com uma diferença de 50 g (P<0,01).

Palavras-chave:
raça holandesa; bezerros; colostro; imunoglobulinas; peso corporal; crescimento absoluto; médio diário e relativo

1. Introduction

Obtaining strong, viable calves is the most important task of modern animal husbandry, since subsequent growth, development, active adaptation to unfavorable environmental factors and optimal manifestation of genetic potential depend on their health. The primary obstacle to fulfilling this condition are common diseases of young animals, caused, especially in calves of the milk period, by the insufficiency of the natural defense mechanisms of the body. A special role among the body's defense mechanisms against bacterial infections belongs to immunoglobulins.

Immunoglobulins are the main factor of protection in the early postnatal period. But newborn calves do not have IgG in their blood or have it in insignificant quantities. The placenta of cows is constructed in such a way that large-molecular gamma globulins, which have protective functions against various foreign substances and microorganisms, are not transmitted from the blood to the fetus. They appear in the blood only a few hours after receiving colostrum. Colostrum is the only source of immunoglobulins, and therefore, immune protection during the neonatal period. The main part of immunoglobulins enters the secretion of the mammary gland from the blood unchanged (81%), being activated in colostrum 3-9 days before calving. Also, by the end of pregnancy, the local immunity system of the mammary gland is activated under the influence of hormones (Pervov et al., 2015).

It should be noted that the absorption of colostrum immunoglobulins is limited in time, so the calf should receive the first portion of colostrum within 0.5-1 hours after birth, regardless of the time of day it was born. This allows increasing the level of immunoglobulins in the blood serum of calves by 1/3 and reducing their incidence by 70%. The first portion of colostrum should be at least 4-6% of the live weight of the newborn, about 17-20% on the first day (5-7 l) and 20-24% in the following days. Immunologically high-quality colostrum provides the body with all the necessary nutrients and protective factors, and also promotes the colonization of the digestive tract with lactic acid microflora. However, the level of immunoglobulins in colostrum is affected by various factors. First of all, this is inadequate nutrition of pregnant cows, the time of starting, the age of the cows, their clinical condition, housing conditions, and the time of year. In case of metabolic disorders in cows, the content of immunoglobulins in colostrum decreases. A deficiency in the diet of dry cows of sugar, carotene, vitamins A, E, macro- and microelements negatively affects the level of immunoglobulins. The content of nitrates and butyric acid in feed also negatively affects the content of immunoglobulins in colostrum. It has been established that cows with mastitis, in the period close to calving, subsequently experience a decrease in immunoglobulins, an increase in the acidity of colostrum. It contains a large number of microbes that cause mastitis, as well as the toxins they produce. Therefore, calves from cows with mastitis have a sharply reduced resistance (Lora at al., 2019; Afanasyeva, 2021; Zemlyanukhina, 2016).

Research by Polish scientists also confirms that high-quality colostrum is obtained from cows after the first lactation rather than from primiparous cows. Thus, the lowest incidence and intensity of the disease were in calves with an Ig concentration in the blood serum of more than 10 g/l at 30-60 hours of life, these calves did not get sick until the 14th day of life, and also showed better health and reached body weight, which allowed the first insemination to be carried out earlier. Practical assessment of the IgG level in the blood serum after feeding colostrum to calves of the milk period of growth includes determining the content of total protein in the serum using a refractometer on the Brix scale (refractive index) (Furman-Fratczak at al., 2011).

Scientists Morin at al. (2021) in their studies also note the importance of proper colostrum management practices, which include feeding calves at least 4.0 L of good quality colostrum (i.e. with an IgG concentration of≥50.0 g/L within 6 hours of birth) to achieve the minimum level of passive immunity required to protect against infectious diseases. Insufficient colostrum intake leads to impaired passive immunity transfer, a condition that occurs when the serum IgG concentration of calves is less than 10.0 g/L within 48 hours of life, and which compromises the health and survival of calves.

One study conducted on a farm in north-eastern Poland showed that the content of mineral components changed during the colostral period. Thus, the highest values of Ca, Mg and Zn were observed in the first hour after calving, after which their content decreased. Significant changes also occurred in the content of elements depending on the age of the cows. Colostrum with the highest calcium content can be obtained from older cows. However, the highest content of K, Mg and Na was recorded in the colostrum of primiparous cows in the first hours after milking. In the winter period of calving, compared to the summer period, colostrum obtained in the first hour after calving had a high content of such mineral vitamins as K, Mg, Na and Zn (Micinski at al., 2017).

Some scientists (Lucy, 2007) note that with increasing age of young cattle, the walls of their intestines become less permeable, and the rate of their absorption decreases. That is why it is important to feed the calf with maternal colostrum as soon as possible. It contains 2 times more dry matter and energy, 100 times more vitamin A, 6 times more protein and 3 times more minerals than regular milk. Colostrum washes out the digestive tract and thus restrains the reproduction and movement of many pathogenic microorganisms and E. coli into the upper intestines and stomach.

A large percentage of calf mortality in US farms is associated with improper management of the colostrum period on farms, while high-quality colostrum should have an IgG concentration of more than 50 g/l. Thus, the average concentration of IgG in colostrum in Holstein cows in the first, second or third and subsequent lactations was 66, 75 and 97 g/l, respectively (Gomez and Chamorro, 2017).

Redkozubova (2019) notes in her works that the protective functions of maternal colostrum are performed by 2 types of antibodies: those that are absorbed into the blood in the first 3 hours after birth, and the second - surface-active, non-absorbable, but killing pathogenic microorganisms in the intestine. Colostrum is the main source of energy and vitamins, since calves are born with a small content of such vitamins in the body as fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, water-soluble vitamins of group B and vitamin C, which is not synthesized in the body.

Most studies on colostrum feeding to calves mainly focus on the effects of feeding for a short period of up to 7-10 days, which is also called the prophylactic period. However, a group of scientists from Germany and Iran suggested that long-term colostrum feeding has a positive effect on the growth performance and health of calves. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of partial replacement of pasteurized whole milk with pasteurized colostrum (0, 350 and 700 g/day) for 2 weeks on the performance and health of Holstein dairy calves. The results showed that the inclusion of 700 g colostrum in 5 kg of milk resulted in a slight increase in body weight of the experimental calves, a decrease in diarrhea and pneumonia, respectively, may be beneficial for the growth and health of dairy calves (Kargar at al., 2020).

Scientists from New Zealand found that negative passive transfer of immunity from colostrum to calves did not significantly affect the probability of mortality at 12 to 22 months (P=0.57) and 12 to 34 months (P=0.44), nor was there a difference in body weight at 15 months (P=0.17) and 22 months (P=0.95). The data from this study indicate that inadequate passive transfer of immunity does not negatively affect the performance, productivity or mortality of pasture-raised heifers over 12 months of age (Cuttance at al., 2019).

Quigley et al. (2018) found that Brix refractometry provides an acceptable estimate of IgG levels in bovine colostrum at first milking. This method is inexpensive and fast and requires minimal equipment and training. When using refractometry, the threshold value for high-quality colostrum (>50 g IgG/l) is considered to be 21% Brix.

Brix refractometers, both digital and optical, have acceptable sensitivity compared to radial and immunodiffusion (RID) assays, the gold standard for serum IgG concentration, indicating that they are capable of distinguishing between good and poor quality colostrum. Based on this study, it is suggested that a Brix value of 22% or greater is an appropriate cut-off level, indicating good quality colostrum, and colostrum samples can be fresh or frozen thawed (Bielmann et al., 2012).

Thus, 90% of Irish dairy producers store frozen colostrum, and in North America colostrum is routinely stored on 89% of large dairy farms. Colostrum is traditionally stored in a freezer to prevent changes in its composition (IgG concentration and bacterial levels). Studies have shown that storing colostrum at higher temperatures results in increased bacterial counts and decreased pH, but does not affect the IgG concentration in colostrum. Storing colostrum at 4 °C for 2 days did not adversely affect calf absorption of colostrum IgG; however, storing it at higher temperatures resulted in decreased calf absorption of IgG from colostrum, despite all colostrum containing>50 g/L and being fed immediately after birth (Morrill at al., 2010).

According to the study by Elizondo-Salazar and Heinrichs (2009), periodic heat treatment of high-quality colostrum at 60 °C for 30 minutes reduces bacterial concentrations and maintains IgG concentration and viscosity. The apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was higher in calves fed heat-treated (compared to unheated) colostrum. Serum IgG concentrations were higher in calves fed heat-treated colostrum. No negative effects on health or growth parameters were observed in calves fed heat-treated colostrum.

The use of the frozen colostrum feeding method showed that the duration of colostrum feeding for 3 days after birth is more effective than only for the first day. Thus, the difference in average daily gains in the first 10 days of life was 29.5 g (4.9%), by the end of the milk period this figure was 13.4 g (1.8%) (Bakaeva at al., 2016).

According to a study by C. Cummins, intermittent heat treatment of high-quality colostrum at 60 °C for 30 minutes reduced bacterial concentrations and maintained IgG concentration and viscosity. The apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was higher in calves fed heat-treated (compared to unheated) colostrum. Serum IgG concentrations were higher in calves fed heat-treated colostrum. No adverse effects on health or growth parameters were observed in calves fed heat-treated colostrum (Cummins at al., 2017).

Receiving a sufficient amount of high-grade colostrum in good sanitary and hygienic conditions, calves grow quickly and become resistant to various environmental influences. Thus, scientists from the University of Montreal (Canada) conducted a study in which they found that the optimal threshold for the transfer of passive immunity in calves was 2.9 times higher in calves receiving colostrum>24.5% than in calves receiving colostrum<24% on the Brix scale (Savelyeva, 2022).

Thus, most studies show that today there are 4 key factors that contribute to successful passive transfer of immunity to calves:

• feeding high-quality colostrum with a high concentration of immunoglobulins (>50 g/l IgG or>21% Brix);

• feeding a sufficient volume (at least 4 l) of colostrum;

• feeding colostrum immediately after birth (within 1-2 hours, maximum after 6 hours);

• minimizing bacterial contamination of colostrum through proper udder preparation, collection of colostrum in a clean container and proper storage in the refrigerator or freezer for 1 hour.

In addition, an important factor is the availability of sufficient colostrum, namely, the availability of a frozen colostrum bank.

2. Materials and Methods

Scientific research was conducted in TOO “Turar” of Fedorov district, Kostanay region, Republic of Kazakhstan. The object of research were animals of the Holstein breed.

A study was conducted on the IgG content in colostrum of 92 cows after calving. The first milking of calved cows was carried out in a milking tank, then the colostrum was passed through a filter and poured into a bucket. The immunoglobulin content was determined using a refractometer on the Brix scale, after which the collected colostrum was divided by the amount of immunoglobulins (up to 22% on the Brix scale and more than 22%). Colostrum from cows with signs of mastitis and other diseases was rejected. The content of dry matter, fat, protein, lactose, casein and density were determined on an automated measuring complex for milk and colostrum quality analysis “Infra Milk” performed by Profi (produced in Novosibirsk). The composition of milk proteins casein and whey proteins was also determined on this device. The analyses were carried out in the accredited laboratory of the Agricultural Experimental Station Zarechnoye LLC.

Colostrum, separated by immunoglobulin content, was fed to calves for up to 3 days, then blood was collected to obtain serum for immunoglobulin content determination. Deionized water was pipetted into the prism of the refractometer to obtain standardized readings according to the manufacturer's recommendations. After removal of the deionized water, the refractometer was set up to determine immunoglobulins in colostrum and serum. A sample was pipetted, placed into the prism of the refractometer, and the result was displayed within a minute. The refractometer displayed the IgG content of the colostrum in g/L (Chigerwe and Heyji, 2014).

A total of 85 blood serum samples were analyzed. Based on the results of the studies, 2 groups of heifers with different IgG levels were formed and the growth of the calves was monitored throughout the milk growing period. Group I (n=44) included heifers with an immunoglobulin level in the blood serum of 5.0 g/dl, Group II (n=41) included heifers with an immunoglobulin level in the blood serum of 7.0 g/dl.

Body weight of heifers from birth to 6 months of age was determined by individual weighing at birth, then at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 months. Based on the weighing results, the following were calculated (Equation 1):

• Absolute increase in body weight:

  $$W_1-W_0$$(1)

where: W₁ – final mass; W₀ – initial mass.

• Average daily increase in body weight (Equation 2):

  $$\frac{W_1-W_0}{N}$$(2)

where: W₁ – final mass; W₀ – initial mass; N – number of days.

• Relative increase in body weight (Equation 3):

  $$\frac{W_1-W_0}{(W_1+W_0)/2}*100\%$$(3)

where: W₁ – final mass; W₀ – initial mass.

In the blood of heifers, total protein was determined using the biuretin method, phosphorus using the ultraviolet method with phosphomolybdate, calcium using the Arsenazo 3 method, and iron using the spectrophotometric method with ferrozine on the BioSystems hardware complex (Spain).

All experimental animals were kept in the same conditions that met zoohygienic and zootechnical requirements. Feeding of heifers was organized according to generally accepted recommendations.

The digital material was processed by the method of variation statistics in the Past v5.2.1 program. A comparative analysis of the growth rate of heifers by selection and genetic parameters (arithmetic mean with a representativeness error and a coefficient of variability) and an assessment of the difference in average values with the determination of the reliability criterion (t_d) of the difference in group indicators was carried out, which was determined by the Formula 4:

$$t_d=\frac{x_1-x_2}{\sqrt{m{\overline{x}}_1^2+m{\overline{x}}_2^2}}$$ (4)

where: X̅₁ – arithmetic mean of the experimental group indicators; X̅₂ – arithmetic mean of the control group indicators; $m{\overline{x}}_1^2$ – arithmetic mean error of the experimental group; $m{\overline{x}}_1^2$– control group arithmetic mean error.

The number of degrees of freedom was determined using the Formula 5:

$$v=n_1+n_2-1$$ (5)

The reliability of the results was determined using the Student's t-table.

3. Results and Discussion

During the neonatal and lactation periods, the most important component of colostrum for the life support of calves is the globulin fraction of proteins, the basis of which is immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulins, entering the calf's body, form temporary (colostral) immunity, thereby providing protection from the negative impact of the environment and pathogenic microflora. The chemical analysis of colostrum from cows-mothers of experimental groups of heifers is presented in Table 1.

Table 1
Biochemical composition of colostrum of mother cows.

Indicators	Groups
	I (n=44)	II (n=41)
Fat, %	6.69±0.2	8.35±0.8*
Protein, %	11.30±0.3	13.82±0.7**
Lactose, %	2.53±0.2	2.80±0.3
Casein,%	3.92±0.3	4.22±0.4
Dry matter, %	20.03±0.8	22.78±1.1*
Density, g/ml	1057±7.5	1092±8.6**
Acidity, °Т	39.56±1.7	42.5±2.3***

• ^*
  confidence threshold P<0.05.
• ^**
  confidence threshold P<0.01.
• ^***
  confidence threshold P<0.001.

According to the data of Table 1, it was established that the qualitative indicators of colostrum of cows-mothers of group II exceeded those of individuals of group I in all indicators, such as fat by 1.66% at P<0.05, protein – 2.52% (P<0.01), lactose – 0.27%, casein – 0.30%, dry matter – 2.75% (P<0.05), density – 35 g/ml (P<0.01), acidity – 2.94°T (P<0.01). No significant differences were found for other indicators.

In providing the protective function of a newborn calf, such properties of colostrum as density and acidity play a very important role. The density of colostrum has a high positive correlation with the content of immunoglobulins in it. This is the basis for the method of determining the content of immunoglobulins using such devices as a lactodyne meter and a refractometer.

After a qualitative analysis of the colostrum, it was frozen and then fed to the heifers. The calves were fed colostrum in the amount of 10% of their live weight, which was about 3-3.5 liters for 3 days. To feed the calf, the colostrum was defrosted in a water bath at a temperature of +40 °C. To create groups of analogues, the colostrum was alternated: one group was fed colostrum with an immunoglobulin content of less than 22% on the Brix scale, the second – more than 22%. Starting from the fourth day, colostrum was replaced with whole milk – 3 times a day, 2 liters, a total of 6 liters per head per day.

On day 3, blood samples were collected from the heifers and serum was obtained by centrifugation within 2 hours of collection. The colostrum and serum samples were stored at -20 °C until the IgG concentration was measured using a refractometer. Refractometric analysis can be performed on unfrozen colostrum or serum, or on colostrum or serum that has only been frozen once. Colostrum and serum were analyzed for 4 weeks after collection (Figure 1).

Figure 1
Level of immunoglobulins in the blood serum of heifers (A – Group I heifers with IgG levels in the colostrum of mother cows up to 22% on the Brix scale; B – Group II heifers with IgG levels in the colostrum of mother cows over 22% on the Brix scale).

Figure 1 shows that the serum IgG level of Group I heifers was 5.0-5.2 g/dL, while Group II heifers were 7.0 g/dL, indicating that Group I calves received lower quality colostrum (colostrum IgG level less than 22% Brix), while Group II calves received higher quality colostrum (colostrum IgG level more than 22% Brix). The figures are presented in Table 2.

Table 2
Serum immunoglobulin levels in heifers.

Indicator	Groups
	I (n=44)	II (n=41)
Immunoglobulins, g/dl	5.0±0.2	7.0±0.3***

• ^***
  confidence threshold P<0.001.

According to the data of Table 2, it was established that the level of immunoglobulins in the blood serum of heifers of Group II was significantly higher by 28.6% (P<0.001) relative to individuals of Group I. The variability of the live weight of the experimental animals is presented in Table 3.

Table 3
Dynamics of live weight of experimental groups of heifers, kg (X̅ – the arithmetic mean; ±m_x̄ – average statistical error; C_v – coefficient of variability).

Age, months	Groups
	I (n=44)		II (n=41)
	X̅±mx̄	Cv, %	X̅±mx̄	Cv, %
at birth	35.4±0.3	3.8	34.7±0.5	3.2
1st month	55.2±0.7	6.3	56.8±0.8	4.4
2nd month	76.0±0.9	6.8	81.1±1.0***	4.7
3rd month	98.5±1.4	5.7	103.7±1.1**	5.6
4th month	118.5±1.2	6.7	126.9±1.4***	5.9
5th month	139.8±1.5	4.6	147.5±1.8**	6.8
6th month	162.0±1.7	7.8	170.3±2.2**	7.1

• ^**
  confidence threshold P<0.01.
• ^***
  confidence threshold P<0.001.

According to the data in Table 3, it was found that feeding newborn calves with colostrum with a high content of immunoglobulins increased the live weight of heifers in the experimental group. Thus, heifers of group II at the age of 1 month exceeded their peers of group I by 1.6 kg, at the age of 2 months – 5.1 kg (P<0.001), 3 months – 5.2 kg (P<0.01) and 6 months – 8.3 kg, or by 5.1%.

Differences in live weight between groups of experimental animals during the milk period are due to the unequal value of average daily gains, the dynamics of which are presented in Table 4.

Table 4
Weight gains in experimental groups of heifers during the milk period of rearing, kg (X̅ – the arithmetic mean; ±m_x̄ – average statistical error; C_v – coefficient of variability).

Age, months	Группы
	I (n=44)		II (n=41)
	X̅±mx̄	Cv, %	X̅±mx̄	Cv, %
Absolute increase, kg
0-3 months	63.1±1.8	19.2	69.0±2.2*	18.4
3-6 months	63.5±2.3	9.7	66.6±2.8	9.1
0-6 months	126.6±3.5	12.3	135.6±4.1	13.8
Average daily increase, g
0-3 months	701±15	19.5	758±19*	19.8
3-6 months	690±17	11.7	740±16*	10.0
0-6 months	703±11	13.1	753±12**	14.0
Relative increase, %
0-3 months	94.2±1.1	12.1	99.7±1.6	13.7
3-6 months	48.7±2.6	8.9	48.6±2.3	9.0
0-6 months	128.3±3.8	10.2	132.3±3.5	11.8

• ^*
  confidence threshold P<0.05.
• ^**
  confidence threshold P<0.01.

According to the data in Table 4, the difference in absolute body weight gain between the studied groups during the analyzed growing period was 9.0 kg, or 6.6% in favor of Group II.

The average daily gain during the milking period was 703 g for the first group and 753 g for the heifers of Group II. The difference was 50 g (P<0.01), which is due to the feeding of Group II heifers with colostrum containing immunoglobulins greater than 22% on the Brix scale.

Relative gain is an indicator that allows us to evaluate the efficiency of feeding and caring for animals in percentage. This indicator was 132.3% in Group II, which is 4.0% more than in Group I.

Consequently, the dynamics of live weight gains in experimental heifers during the milk period allows us to conclude that colostrum containing immunoglobulins of more than 22% on the Brix scale gives higher gains than colostrum with an immunoglobulin content of less than 22% on the Brix scale.

In the early postnatal period, during which important physiological processes change and the productivity of the growing organism is laid down, it is important to take into account the blood indices of animals. Of primary importance in this period of life are the indices of protein and mineral substances, the values of which subsequently help in the analysis of feeding in order to replenish the necessary vitamins and minerals. In this regard, we selected blood samples from experimental heifers to study the content of protein and minerals at the end of the milk period of growing (Figure 2).

Figure 2
Content of total protein and minerals in the blood of heifers at the end of the milk period.

Among the biochemical indicators of blood, the concentration of total protein is one of the objective criteria that characterizes the level of metabolism and the functional state of the body. Total protein and its fractions are a universal indicator that determines the amount of proteins entering the blood, ensuring homeostasis and pH constancy, blood clotting, immune status, osmotic pressure involved in the transfer of structural elements of the blood and ensuring metabolism. If protein metabolism is disrupted, the immune system is unable to effectively protect against potentially pathogenic microflora.

As a result of our study, the total protein content in the blood of heifers of group II was higher by 16.2 g/l, in contrast to their peers of group I, the total protein indicator of which was below the minimum value of the reference interval by 4.09 g/l. In heifers of group II that received colostrum with an immunoglobulin level of more than 22% on the Brix scale, the phosphorus content exceeded that of their peers of group I that received colostrum with an immunoglobulin level of less than 22% on the Brix scale by 0.59 mmol/l, Ca – 0.56 mmol/l and Fe – 2.8 mmol/l.

4. Conclusions

Based on the conducted studies, it was established that feeding colostrum with an immunoglobulin content of more than 22% on the Brix scale contributes to an increase in immunoglobulins in the blood serum on the 3rd day after birth to 7.0 g/dl and more. This has a positive effect on the dynamics of body weight growth in heifers from the first days of life, as well as on the protein and mineral indicators at the end of the milk growing period. Thus, heifers with an immunoglobulin level in the blood serum of 7.0 g/dl and more reliably exceeded their peers with an immunoglobulin level in the blood serum of 5.0 g/dl in live weight gain by 5.1-6.7% and relative growth rate by 4%. As a result of the data obtained during the study, it can be concluded that the higher the level of immunoglobulins in colostrum, the more immunoglobulins are transferred to newborn calves, which contributes to high protection from potentially pathogenic microflora and maintaining a high immune status of young animals, as well as high growth rates. Thus, the average daily gain for the period in the first group was 703 g and 753 g in the heifers of the second group with a difference of 50 g (P<0.01).

Acknowledgements

Scientific research was carried out thanks to financial support the Ministry of Science and Higher Education the Republic of Kazakhstan. We also express our gratitude to the head of the farm TOO “Turar” Ospanov K.B. and the head of the livestock complex Kushekbaev Zh.Zh., who provided assistance in conducting experimental tests.

This research has been/was/is funded by the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. BR24992892 – “Science-based methods increasing the productivity of dairy cattle based on development innovative feeding protocols and intensification technology raising young animals”).

Data Availability Statement

Research data are available only upon request to the corresponding author.

References

• AFANASYEVA, A.I., 2021. Features of growth and interior parameters in calves in the early postnatal period when using Trivit. Bulletin of the Altai State Agrarian University, vol. 4, no. 198, pp. 55-61.
• BAKAEVA, L.N., KARAMAEVA, A.S. and KARAMAEV, S.V., 2016. Growth and development of heifers during the dairy period depending on the rearing method. Niva Volga Region, vol. 3, no. 40, pp. 8-12.
• BIELMANN, V., GILLAN, J., PERKINS, N.R., SKIDMORE, A.L., GODDEN, S. and LESLIE, K.E., 2012. An evaluation of Brix refractometry instruments for measurement of colostrum quality in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, vol. 93, no. 8, pp. 3713-3721. PMid:20655440.
• CHIGERWE, M. and HEYJI, J.W., 2014. Refractometric assessment of colostrum and serum IgG concentrations and total milk solids in dairy cattle. BMC Veterinary Research, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 178. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-014-0178-7 PMid:25125217.
  » http://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-014-0178-7
• CUMMINS, C., BERRY, D.P., MURPHY, J.P., LORENZ, I. and KENNEDY, E., 2017. The effect of colostrum storage conditions on dairy heifer calf serum immunoglobulin G concentration and preweaning health and growth rate. Journal of Dairy Science, vol. 100, no. 1, pp. 525-535. http://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-10892 PMid:27837982.
  » http://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-10892
• CUTTANCE, E.L., MASON, W.A., LAVEN, R.A. and PHYN, C.V., 2019. Relationships between failure of passive transfer and subsequent mortality, bodyweights and lactation performance in 12-36 month old heifers on pasture-based, seasonal calving dairy farms in New Zealand. Veterinary Journal, vol. 251, pp. 105348. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.105348 PMid:31492388.
  » http://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.105348
• ELIZONDO-SALAZAR, J.A. and HEINRICHS, A.J., 2009. Feeding heat-treated colostrum to neonatal dairy heifers: effects on growth characteristics and blood parameters. Journal of Dairy Science, vol. 92, no. 7, pp. 3265-3273. http://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2008-1667 PMid:19528603.
  » http://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2008-1667
• FURMAN-FRATCZAK, K., RZASA, A. and STEFANIAK, T., 2011. The influence of colostral immunoglobulin concentration in heifer calves serum on their health and growth. Journal of Dairy Science, vol. 94, no. 11, pp. 5536-5543. http://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3253 PMid:22032377.
  » http://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3253
• GOMEZ, D.E. and CHAMORRO, M.F., 2017. The importance of colostrum for dairy calves. Revista Colombiana de Ciências Pecuárias, vol. 30, pp. 241-244.
• KARGAR, S., ROSHAN, M., GHOREISHI, S.M., AKHLAGHI, A. and GHAFFARI, M.H., 2020. Extended colostrum feeding for 2 weeks improves growth performance and reduces the susceptibility to diarrhea and pneumonia in neonatal Holstein dairy calves. Journal of Dairy Science, vol. 103, no. 9, pp. 8130-8142. http://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-18355 PMid:32684449.
  » http://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-18355
• LORA, I., GOTTARDO, F., BONFANTI, L., STEFANI, A.L., SORANZO, E., DALL’AVA, B., CAPELLO, K., MARTINI, M. and BARBERIO, A., 2019. Transfer of passive immunity in dairy calves: the effectiveness of providing a supplementary colostrum meal in addition to nursing from the dam. Animal, vol. 13, no. 11, pp. 2621-2629. http://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731119000879 PMid:31062681.
  » http://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731119000879
• LUCY, M.C., 2007. Fertility in high-producing dairy cows: reasons for decline and corrective strategies for sustainable improvement. In: J.I. JUENGEL, J.F. MURRAY and M.F. SMITH, eds. Reproduction in domestic ruminants. Nottingham: Nottingham University Press, vol. 64, pp. 237-254.. http://doi.org/10.5661/RDR-VI-237
  » http://doi.org/10.5661/RDR-VI-237
• MICINSKI, J., POGORZELSKA, J., BEISENOV, A., AITZHANOVA, I., SHAIKAMAL, G., DZIEGELEWSKA-KUZMINSKA, D., MICINSKI, B. and SOBCZUK-SZUL, M., 2017. Basic and mineral composition of colostrum from cows in different ages and calving period. Journal of Elementology, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 259-269.
• MORIN, M.P., DUBUC, J., FREYCON, P. and BUCZINSKI, S., 2021. A calf-level study on colostrum management practices associated with adequate transfer of passive immunity in Quebec dairy herds. Journal of Dairy Science, vol. 104, no. 4, pp. 4904-4913. http://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-19475 PMid:33551159.
  » http://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-19475
• MORRILL, K.M., CONRAD, E., LAGO, A., CAMPBELL, J., QUIGLEY, J. and TYLER, H., 2010. Nationwide evaluation of quality and composition of colostrum on dairy farms in the United States. Journal of Dairy Science, vol. 93, no. 8, pp. 3713-3721.
• PERVOV, N.G., STREKOZOV, N.I. and KUMARIN, S.V., 2015. Are there optimal parameters for growth and development of replacement heifers. In: Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference: “Ways to Extend the Productive Life of Dairy Cows Based on Optimization of Development, Technology of Keeping and Feeding Animals”, 2015, Dubrovitsy. Dubrovitsy: VIZh, pp. 273-278.
• QUIGLEY, J.D., LAGO, A., CHAPMAN, C., ERICKSON, P. and POLO, J., 2018. Evaluation of the Brix refractometer to estimate immunoglobulin G concentration in bovine colostrums. Journal of Dairy Science, vol. 101, no. 10, pp. 9168-9184. PMid:29908815.
• REDKOZUBOVA, L., 2019. Raising a calf wisely. Animal Husbandry of Russia, vol. 2, pp. 42-45.
• SAVELYEVA, L.N., 2022. Biochemical status of the blood of calves in normal conditions and with pathology of the digestive organs. Bulletin of KrasGAU, vol. 9, pp. 179-183.
• ZEMLYANUKHINA, T.N., 2016. Morphological indices of blood and natural resistance of calves under different rearing methods. Bulletin of the Altai State Agrarian University, vol. 1, no. 135, pp. 117-120.

Edited by

• Editor:
  Takako Matsumura Tundisi

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  24 Oct 2025
• Date of issue
  2025

History

• Received
  03 July 2025
• Accepted
  04 Sept 2025