Importance of Colostrum

Question 1

Why is colostrum important?

Answer 1

Provides energy and fluid
Transfer of passive immunity
* Immunoglobulins
* Cell mediated immunity - maternal lymphocytes
Development of early gastrointestinal microbiota

Question 2

Transfer of passive immunity

Answer 2

• Types of immunoglobulins:
  ○ IgG - 85-90%
  ○ IgA - 5%
  ○ IgM - 7%
  Colostral leukocytes are not sufficient to protect calves from disease in neonatal period (need both)

Question 3

Development of faecal microbiota

Answer 3

• Change in gut microbiota
  ○ Day 1-3
  ○ Gradual acquisition of Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae
  Colostrum/milk derived
  ○ Day 3+
  Prevotella, Blautia, Ruminococcus
  Core gut microbiota

Question 4

Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs)

Answer 4

• Shared between meconium, mare’s gut microbiota and amniotic fluid

Question 5

Meconium

Answer 5

Neonates first faeces

Question 6

Outcomes of failure of passive transfer of immunity

Answer 6

Leads to viral and bacterial infections which can’t be fought off
Examples:
* umbilical infections
* GIT disease
* Pneumonia

Question 7

What makes good quality colostrum

Answer 7

Brix value >22%
Ig conc >50mg

Question 8

How much colostrum do calves need?

Answer 8

10% of their body weight within 6 hours of birth
~3-4L