Improve the transfer of immunity to calves
In a trial on dairy calves, a higher mortality rate was observed for calves whose immunity transfer had failed (plasma IgG level < 10 g/l), compared with those whose immunity transfer had succeeded (Table below).
Table: Zootechnical performance of calves according to the success or failure of immunity transfer
(Réussir Lait study, Allix survey, 2013)
In addition to the immune elements provided, colostrum provides the calf with energy, protein and water. However, this supply of energy is crucial in the hours following birth, as the calf’s reserves are exhausted after around fifteen hours.
A few tips to improve immunity transfer in calves
In order to optimise immunity transfer, the first step is to improve practices. For example, most breeders only give 2 litres of colostrum with the first feed, when the ideal is 3 to 4 litres.
For vets, improving the transfer of immunity also involves improving the cows’ diet at the end of gestation and systematically supplementing them at the end of gestation (Allix survey – 2013).
As colostrum is formed during the last 6 weeks of gestation, it is important to supplement throughout the whole period to improve the quality and quantity of colostrum. Supplementing with antioxidants increases the quantity of colostrum produced and the total mass of antibodies (Figure 1).
Colostrum is formed during the last 6 weeks of gestation, so it is important to cover the whole period to improve the quality and quantity of colostrum.
In particular, the addition of antioxidants can increase the quantity of colostrum produced (Lacetera et al., 1996), as well as the total mass of Ig (Figure 1; Kamada et al., 2007).
In the CCPA-Deltavit range, products in the Axion® range allow the addition of antioxidants:
- Axion® Stim for dairy cows (Figure 2) and Bufflo Tonic Axion® for suckler cows (Figure 2).
- The Gestyx Axion® cube is also a practical way of providing Axion® at dry up.
Allix survey, JP. 2013. 2013. Description des perceptions et des pratiques des éleveurs et des vétérinaires sur le transfert de l’immunité et l’intérêt du sélénium et de la vitamine E
Nantes : ONIRIS – National Veterinary, Food and Agriculture School, Nantes Atlantique, 2013.
Kamada H., Nonaka I., Ueda Y., Murai M. 2007. Selenium addition to colostrum increases immunoglobulin G absorption by newborn calves. J. Dairy Sci. 90, pp. 5665-5670.
Lacetera N. Bernabucci U., Ronchi B., Nardone A. 1996. Effects of selenium and vitamin E administration during a late stage of pregnancy on colostrum and milk production in dairy cows, and on passive immunity and growth of their offspring. AJVR, 57, pp. 1776-1780.