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Colostrum management in calves: effects of drenching vs. bottle feeding
Author(s) -
Kaske M.,
Werner A.,
Schuberth H.J.,
Rehage J.,
Kehler W.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.651
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1439-0396
pISSN - 0931-2439
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2005.00535.x
Subject(s) - colostrum , zoology , biology , antibody , rumen , immunoglobulin g , bottle , immunology , food science , mechanical engineering , fermentation , engineering
Summary The objective was to examine whether the administration of colostrum by a drencher is a safe method to achieve satisfying immunoglobulin concentrations in newborn Holstein Friesian (HF)‐calves. Twenty‐one calves were fed 1 h postnatum with 2 l colostrum from their dam using a nipple bottle (group I); 15 calves were drenched with 4 l colostrum from their dam 1 h postnatum (group II). Thereafter, all calves were fed milk replacer exclusively. Serum concentration of total immunoglobulin [analysed by Sandwich‐enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)] 24 h postnatum was higher in drenched calves (25.2 g/l; 12.8/52.2; median and 10/90 percentiles) compared with bottle‐fed calves (14.1 g/l; 9.2/24.7). To characterize the kinetics of immunoglobulin absorption, 17 blood samples were taken frequently within 72 h postnatum using a jugular catheter in five calves fed 2 l colostrum by nipple bottle and five calves drenched with 4 l colostrum 1 h postnatum. A slightly delayed increase of serum immunoglobulin concentration (approximately 3 h) was obvious in drenched calves compared with bottle‐fed calves, but drenched calves reached significantly higher immunoglobulin concentrations compared with bottle‐fed calves. It is concluded that the proper application of colostrum by a drencher is a useful method for adequate colostral supply in newborn calves. The failure of the oesophageal groove reflex in drenched calves caused no clinical consequences.