China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine ›› 2022, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (9): 3353-3361.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2022.09.009

• Physiological and Biochemical • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Determination of Colostrum Yield and Quality of Angus Cows and Evaluation of Passive Immunity Effect of Newborn Calves

YANG Chaohui1, MA Xuelian1, WANG Fan1, YI Pengfei1, WU Jing1, FENG Mengdi1, CHEN Yuzhu1, SUN Yawei1, WUMAIERJIANG·Yahefu1, WANG Sheng2, XU Jianbiao2, ZHONG Qi3, ZHOU Zhenyong4, YAO Gang1   

  1. 1. College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China;
    2. Xinjiang Daolang Sunshine Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd., Maigaiti 844600, China;
    3. Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, Urumqi 830000, China;
    4. Institute of Animal Science, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
  • Received:2022-02-28 Online:2022-09-05 Published:2022-08-24

Abstract: 【Objective】 The failure of passive transfer (FPT) of newborn calves will lead to significant increase in incidence rate and mortality rate of calves, and affect later growth and development.This study was aimed to measure the production and quality of colostrum of Angus cows imported from abroad, and evaluate the passive immunity effect of newborn calves, in order to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of colostrum management measures for newborn calves.【Method】 15 healthy Angus primiparous cows (24 months of age) and 15 Angus multiparous cows (36 to 48 months of age) were randomly selected, which were milked immediately after calving to determine the colostrum yield, nutritional component and immunoglobulin concentration.15 Angus primiparous and multiparous newborn calves were selected, respectively, the birth weight were measured, the blood samples were collected after birth without colostrum (0 h) and after colostrum (24 to 36 h) to determine the content of serum total protein and physiological and biochemical indicators.【Result】 The average colostrum yield of primiparous cows was extremely significantly lower than that of multiparous cows, but the contents of milk protein, non-fat milk solids, lactose, ash, and density and electrical conductivity of colostrum in primiparous cows were extremely significantly higher than that in multiparous cows (P<0.01).The immunoglobulin concentration of colostrum in primiparous and multiparous cows were 28.72% and 26.24%, the pass rate were 93.33% and 91.67%, respectively, there were no significant difference (P>0.05).The passive immunization failure rate of of primiparous and multiparous newborn calves were 33.3% and 25.0%, respectively.The average body weight of primiparous newborn calves was extremely significantly lower than that of multiparous newborn calves (P<0.01).The average birth weight and globulin content of passive immunity success calves were extremely significantly higher than that of passive immunity failure calves (P<0.01).【Conclusion】 The main cause of FPT in Xinjiang Angus calves might be closely related to the insufficient colostrum intake of newborn calves due to low colostrum production of cows.Calves with lower birth weight were at higher risk for FPT.This study provided a scientific basis for formulating a feasible colostrum supplementary feeding plan for newborn Angus calves.

Key words: Angus cows; newborn calves; colostrum; failure of passive transfer (FPT)

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