Colostrum, a key to survival by Grupo Asís

Colostrum Colostrum. Key to survival

A calf has a greater chance of survival when the dam is correctly fed and managed and when calving is controlled under clean conditions. But these chances increase even further when the calf receives an adequate quantity of good quality colostrum during the first day of its life.

Key to survival

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves Mónica Espada Aguirre Juan José Ramos Antón Luis Miguel Ferrer Mayayo Araceli Loste Montoya Aurora Ortín Pérez Antonio Fernández Casasnovas

The veterinary publishing company Farm animals

Bovine

Colostrum, a key to survival

A guidebook for the appropriate administration of colostrum to calves

Aimed at veterinary surgeons, students, teachers and other professionals in the veterinary sector.

Technical details Author: Mónica Espada Aguirre,

Juan José Ramos Antón, Luis Miguel Ferrer Mayayo, Araceli Loste Montoya, Aurora Ortín Pérez, Antonio Fernández Casasnovas.

Format: 24 x 17 cm. Number of pages: 104. Number of pictures: 150. Binding: hardcover. ISBN: 978-84-92569-47-2. Year: 2011.

One of the pillars of the health condition of cattle is the colostrum administration to calves. Maybe, owing to the vets’ hectic labor, we tend to think that it’s a routine activity, similar in all cases. The guidebook we present aims at highlighting that not all colostrums are equal. Each case must be studied in depth, in order to convey the adequate passive immunity the neonatal calf needs. The book is presented in an effective and easy-to-read way, and offers answers to the questions which can arise when carrying out this task.

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The veterinary publishing company

Colostrum, a key to survival

A guidebook for the appropriate administration of colostrum to calves TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 2. The cow The udder

3. Immunity in the foetus and newborn 4. Birth and management of the calf The labour and the foetus Preparation for calving Stages of calving Attention and assistance during calving When is it advisable to intervene during calving?

Assessment of the newborn calf Does he breathe? Respiratory resuscitation: how to proceed?

Is he acidotic? Management of the newborn calf How to proceed with the newborn calf?

5. Colostrum and colostrum intake What are the components of colostrum? How much colostrum does a calf need to take? When does the calf need to take the colostrum? Are all colostrum the same? Immunologic quality How can the quality of colostrum be determined?

Hygienic quality Has the calf taken the colostrum properly?

6. Alternatives to maternal colostrum: substitutes and supplements Fresh or preserved colostrum Commercial products

7. Feeding of the calf Transition from colostrum to milk The colostrum

8. Bibliography

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

Cow production depends mainly on nutrition, but it is also affected by sanitation and management. The quality of management reflects on the behaviour of the animals, their healthy appearance and their production.

Desired and reasonable body condition in dairy cattle. Time of scoring

Desired scoring

Reasonable scoring

Cows Calving

3.25

3.0-3.5

Lactation

2.5

2.0-3.0

Dry-off

3.25

3.0-3.25

Heifers 6 months old

2.5

2.0-3.0

Covering

2.5

2.0-3.0

Calving

3.25

3.0-3.5

The cow The different needs of maintenance and production should be taken into account with cows. This means that management and nutrition of beef cattle will differ from dairy cattle. In dairy, milk production has higher nutritional requirements and implies an increased risk of problems related to metabolism and nutrition. Drying-off is fundamental for the cow to allow the mammary system and the

The cow

Figures 1 and 2. The beef cow is characterised by grazing, sometimes in low productivity areas, which means a very variable diet, both in quantity as well as quality. The objective in a herd of beef cows is one birth per cow per year.

body condition or amount of energy reserve to recover. Parturition is a critical time regardless of whether the cattle are beef or dairy. The cow experiences major hormonal and metabolic changes. For a cow to calve in the most favourable conditions it is important that her nutrition is regulated during the precalving months. The dry cow must have a body condition score of 3-3.25 (optimum) at the time of delivery.

Figures 3, 4 and 5. Pre-calving cows should have optimum body condition being neither excessively thin nor excessively fat. Excessively thin cows have reduced milk production and the calves are born with less weight. On the other hand, excessively fat cows have a greater risk of dystocia and developing metabolic diseases.

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

Desired and reasonable body condition in dairy cattle. Time of scoring

Desired scoring

Reasonable scoring

Cows Calving

3.25

3.0-3.5

Lactation

2.5

2.0-3.0

Dry-off

3.25

3.0-3.25

Heifers 6 months old

2.5

2.0-3.0

Covering

2.5

2.0-3.0

Calving

3.25

3.0-3.5

The cow

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

the last two or three weeks. Once the calf ingests the colostrum it receives immunoglobulins. Absorption takes place within the small intestine. This passive transfer (pinocytosis) occurs up until 24-36 hours after birth. It is therefore essential that calves are fed enough colostrum within the first 24 hours after birth. After this time, the intestine's specialised cells are replaced by normal intestinal epithelium and the absorption process comes to a halt (closure).

ernal antibodies at m h ic h w y b te u ro The ed by the in m er et d is s u et fo e reach th cow's placenta e h T . re u ct ru st l ta n place s to pass lin u b lo og n u m im w lo al does not e calf depends th e or ef er th so h g u thro it receives s ie od b ti an e th on ly complete strum. by means of the colo

Functions of the placenta of the cow It permits an exchange of gases and nutrients between mother and foetus. It protects the foetus from trauma and viral or bacterial infectious agents. It produces hormones such as progesterone, which are necessary to maintain gestation.

Cotyledon

Caruncle (maternal tissue) Uterine endometrium (uterine wall) Maternal blood

Chorion Allantois

Umbilical cord

Uterine mucosa

Amnion Foetus

Crypt of the maternal caruncle

Figure 4. Calves are born without antibodies in the blood so if they do not receive colostrum within the first 24 hours of life their chances of survival are low.

The immunoglobulins which are most abundant in colostrum are IgG, IgM and IgA. Amongst these, IgG has the highest concentration in colostrum and in blood. This immunoglobulin is the smallest in size and this enables it to leave the blood circulation and reach other parts of the organism to identify and help destroy invading

pathogens. On the other hand IgM is a larger protein which remains in the blood and acts as the first line of defence. It protects the organism against septicaemia and bacterial invasions. Finally IgA binds to mucosal surfaces and protects them, preventing pathogens from sticking to the epithelium and causing diseases.

Figures 5 and 6. The cow's placenta is epitheliochorial (the foetal chorion is in contact with the uterine epithelium) and cotyledonary. The cotyledons are villi of the chorion which group together and interchange with the uterus. Each one corresponds to a specific area of the uterus called a caruncle, and the cotyledon and the caruncle together are called placentome.

Immunity in the foetus and the newborn

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

Cotyledon

Caruncle (maternal tissue) Uterine endometrium (uterine wall) Maternal blood

Chorion Allantois

Umbilical cord

Uterine mucosa

Amnion Foetus

Crypt of the maternal caruncle

Figure 4. Calves are born without antibodies in the blood so if they do not receive colostrum within the first 24 hours of life their chances of survival are low.

Immunity in the foetus and the newborn

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

Care and assistance during delivery It is important to observe the delivery without altering its sequence or disturbing the dam. Dystocia may occur in the calving process either due to a malpresentation of the calf or because of an imbalance between the size of the foetus and the birth canal. These are more frequent in primiparus animals and beef breeds. In both cases the calf becomes 'wedged' and the calving period is prolonged. This may result in foetal anoxia associated with pulmonary disorders or gas exchange problems (between mother and foetus). A timely intervention prevents the death of a newborn and protects the future fertility of the dam. A study by Draghi, et al. (2006) showed that the main cause of perinatal mortality was dystocia. It accounted for up to 40% of losses during the study of 3657 cases. The importance of the actions of the calving personnel is clearly seen in these cases. Regarding the delivery it is important not to be too hasty. Experience is essential to know when to intervene or seek assistance.

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

When is it recommended to intervene in calving? When 30-40 minutes have passed and delivery does not progress despite the constant efforts of the dam. Whilst the dam is in the expulsion process she stops pushing for 15-20 minutes without an apparent reason. If the dam shows signs of excessive weakness or fatigue.

Exploration 1. Ensure that the cervix is dilated sufficiently. 2. Check if the cow has broken waters and if the amniotic sac (second water sac) is broken (if it is broken then rapid action is needed). 3. Assess the size, presentation, position and posture of the calf. 4. Assess the condition of the calf.

Normal size, presentation, position

and posture: Possible extraction ➔ forced extraction: Anterior (frontward) presentation – cow lying down Posterior (backward) presentation – cow stood up Impossible extraction – Condition of the calf: Alive ➔ Caesarean Dead ➔ Foetotomy – caesarean

Figure 10. Obstetric assistance of short duration increases the oxytocin levels, which in turn strengthens and increases the contractions. They become on a par with normal, spontaneous uterine contractions. By contrast, prolonged obstetric handling has a negative effect on the foetus. Therefore the veterinarian must assess the condition of the dam and the foetus, and decide whether to extract the calf through the birth canal or resort to surgical methods.

Abnormal size, presentation, position

Necessary steps before intervening in calving

and posture: Possible correction: forced extraction Impossible correction – Condition of the calf: Alive ➔ Caesarean Dead ➔ Foetotomy – caesarean

Wash the dam's perianal area with

soap and water. Wash and disinfect any equipment,

hands and arms. Use gloves. Use specialised lubricant products, such as oils or liquid vaseline. Do not use liquid soap.

Decision-making (preferable)

Figure 9. The calving personnel should have enough knowledge, ability, skill, perseverance and necessary experience to complete the delivery before becoming exhausted. If the calf delivery is an anterior (frontward) presentation, then it is better if the dam is lying down as this allows her easier labour movements which aid foetal extraction.

Figure 11. If delivery intervention is needed, this should be done with gloves, clean hands and trimmed nails. The position of the calf must be verified first so as to rectify it or help the dam by forced extraction.

Birth and management of the calf

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

Normal size, presentation, position

Abnormal size, presentation, position

Necessary steps before intervening in calving

and posture: Possible correction: forced extraction Impossible correction – Condition of the calf: Alive ➔ Caesarean Dead ➔ Foetotomy – caesarean

Wash the dam's perianal area with

soap and water. Wash and disinfect any equipment,

hands and arms. Use gloves. Use specialised lubricant products, such as oils or liquid vaseline. Do not use liquid soap.

Decision-making (preferable)

Birth and management of the calf

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

es should be In dairy cows, the carlv mothers as soon separated from thei large quantities of as possible and fed m. If the colostrum high quality colostru ted willingly, then feeding is not accep sort to an it is necessary to re oesophageal feeder.

Colostrum ingestion is essential to the health and survival of the calves. The first feed should occur as soon as possible.

Age in days Passive immunity (colostrum)

Active immunity

Figure 10. At the same time that the antibodies (Ab) of the colostrum are disappearing, the calf's immune system is increasing its production of antibodies (Ab) until the system is working completely. If the colostrum immunoglobulin supply is low, the risk of infection remains high until the calf's immune system has matured.

rum, an oesophageal feeder may be used. Then up to four litres can be administered in one feeding, because the colostrum remains in the rumen. Even so it is recommended to supply it in two feeds, separated by a few hours. A calf of approximately 40kg body weight should ingest about six litres of colostrum during the first day of

life. Two litres should be ingested as soon as possible postpartum, two more in the next 8-10 hours and another two within 24 hours. However as already mentioned, the quantity of colostrum to be supplied depends on various factors, mainly: The amount of antibodies (Ig) in the colostrum. The body weight of the calf.

When should colostrum be fed? Intestinal maturity begins shortly after birth. As the intestinal cells mature they lose their ability to absorb antibodies or immunoglobulin. It is therefore essential that the calf begins to feed as soon as possible after birth. The efficiency with which a calf absorbs Ig starts to decrease after one hour of life. It loses a third of this capacity during the first six hours. It is reduced to 10% at 24 hours and soon after that it disappears completely. Additionally, there are differences between the types

Table 2. Time elapsed between calving and the first colostrum feed, according to the size of the operation. (Source: NAHMS, 2007). A larger operation is able to provide specialised and quicker attention to the necessary tasks. Size of the operation

Time elapsed between calving and the first colostrum feed

Small (< 100 cows)

3.4 hours

Medium (100-499 cows)

3.3 hours

Large (> 500 cows)

2.8 hours

Average time

3.3 hours

Figure 11. During the first hours after birth, the intestinal mucosa is highly permeable to the immunoglobulins. Progressively the cell wall and the interstitial spaces close. When this happens the immunoglobulins can no longer penetrate. The permeability does not just depend on the time factor but also on the concentration of immunoglobulins in the colostrum, the quantity of colostrum, stress, etc.

Colostrum and colostrum feeding

50 g/l would provide 200g of Ig to the newborn. This is quite a bit more than recommended. An excessive ingestion of colostrum is not a problem unless it is to be administered all in one feeding. The capacity of the abomasum in a newborn animal is about two litres (it varies slightly due to the size of the individual animal). So it would be unusual for an animal to exceed this amount in a single feeding. If a larger amount is required in order to ensure an optimum amount of IgG in the se-

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

Concentration of Ab

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

Colostrum ingestion is essential to the health and survival of the calves. The first feed should occur as soon as possible.

Age in days Passive immunity (colostrum)

Active immunity

Time elapsed between calving and the first colostrum feed

Small (< 100 cows)

3.4 hours

Medium (100-499 cows)

3.3 hours

Large (> 500 cows)

2.8 hours

Average time

3.3 hours

Colostrum and colostrum feeding

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

Concentration of Ab

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

medium quality, and below 1,050 is poor quality.

Vaccination of the dam with sufficient time before calving 12

Weeks before calving

Ab in the blood

Calving

Transfer of Ab

Ab in the udder

Figure 26. If the dam is vaccinated between 12 and 3 weeks prepartum, this will generate an increase in specific immunoglobulins in the blood. This in turn transfers antibodies (Ab) to the udder during the last weeks of gestation.

quality in ta ob to ay w al ic ct The most pra use first to is rm fa e th on m colostru healthy cows, om fr m ru st lo co g in milk ity and ar -p d ir th t as le at e which ar inferior to n io ct u d ro p ilk m a h wit 8.5 kilos. e, confirm To be on the safe sicod lostrometer! the quality with the

duced carefully. Good quality colostrum will measure above 1,060, between 1,050 and 1,060 is considered

Hygienic quality A reserve supply of colostrum should be available to administer to calves if needed. This may be necessary when the dam does not produce high quality colostrum or there is a risk of transmitting disease. The colostrum must be milked and stored in optimum hygienic and sanitary conditions, thereby avoiding microbial contamination during handling (Poulsen, et al., 2002). Amongst the many pathogens which may appear in the colostrum are: Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria monocy-

Figure 27. Colostrometer used to estimate the quality of the colostrum correlated to its density. This procedure does not provide an exact measure of the immunoglobulin concentration but it does provide an estimate. This enables poor quality colostrum to be eliminated and helps prevent failure of passive transfer.

togenes, Mycoplasma spp., Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, Salmonella spp., etc. (McMartin, et al., 2006). These mammary pathogens produce local or systemic infections if they pass into the blood stream. But in addition, the high microbial load in the colostrum interferes with the immunoglobulin absorption.

Strategies to reduce the bacterial load The milking process should be as hygienic as possible. Use gloves. Clean and disinfect any equipment and tools used while collecting. Prevent contamination during storage and handling. Use adequate preservation procedures: refrigeration, freezing,

pasteurisation or the addition of preservatives.

Figure 28. Between 1/4 - 1/2 litre of colostrum (20ยบC) is poured into a narrow container or testtube. The colostrometer is submerged carefully and left until the liquid has settled. Finally, the value is read from the scale. Figure 29. Colostrum undergoes bacterial growth if it is maintained at room temperature for a length of time. This erodes its quality and increases the infection risk for the calf.

Figures 30 and 31. Colostrum which is stored to be used as reserve should be identified with the date, the milked cow/ cows ID number and the estimated density or immunoglobulin concentration.

Figure 32. It is essential to measure the true temperature of the refrigerator or freezer regularly. Use a thermometer to check that the temperature is the same as the one programmed, especially when using old equipment.

Colostrum and colostrum feeding

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

medium quality, and below 1,050 is poor quality.

Vaccination of the dam with sufficient time before calving 12

Weeks before calving

Ab in the blood

Calving

Transfer of Ab

Ab in the udder

duced carefully. Good quality colostrum will measure above 1,060, between 1,050 and 1,060 is considered

pasteurisation or the addition of preservatives.

Figures 30 and 31. Colostrum which is stored to be used as reserve should be identified with the date, the milked cow/ cows ID number and the estimated density or immunoglobulin concentration.

Colostrum and colostrum feeding

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

Colostrum Colostrum is an energetic food which contains large quantities of fat, protein, vitamins and minerals. Some cows produce important amounts of colostrum or transitional milk which, if preserved correctly, can be used to feed other calves and contribute to reducing expenses.

Figure 6. Water is essential when feeding the animals; therefore, animals should have high quality water freely available.

Figure 7. The animals should be inspected at least twice a day, with adequate lighting.

e high Calf starter feeds ared with quality food, prepar ulating the objective of stim to develop consumption, helping d achieving the rumen papillae anas soon a functional rumen as possible. Figure 5. Concentrates and/or forages may be supplied in feeders or other distribution systems as long as the system's hygiene is guaranteed.

Figure 8. Any animal that appears to be ill or injured should receive immediate treatment and should be placed in an appropriate, comfortable area with dry bedding.

Figure 9. The calves should not remain in individual pens for more than eight weeks.

Calf feeding

COLOSTRUM. Key to survival

A practical guide for correct colostrum feeding in calves

Figure 6. Water is essential when feeding the animals; therefore, animals should have high quality water freely available.

Figure 7. The animals should be inspected at least twice a day, with adequate lighting.

Figure 8. Any animal that appears to be ill or injured should receive immediate treatment and should be placed in an appropriate, comfortable area with dry bedding.

Figure 9. The calves should not remain in individual pens for more than eight weeks.

Calf feeding