Animals (Oct 2022)

Incidence of Inadequate Transfer of Passive Immunity in Dairy Heifer Calves in South Australia

  • Rebel Skirving,
  • Cynthia D. K. Bottema,
  • Richard Laven,
  • Do T. Hue,
  • Kiro R. Petrovski

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12212912
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 21
p. 2912

Abstract

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The objective of this observational study was to estimate the incidence of inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI) on five pasture-based dairy farms in South Australia. Heifer calf uptake of colostrum was evaluated within the first 1–7 days of age (n = 2638) using a digital refractometer to estimate each calf’s serum total protein concentration, as an indicator of colostrum uptake. Results of <51 g/L indicated inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI). The data showed that the incidence of ITPI on the farms was 6.5%, 31.3%, 48.8%, 49.7% and 52.4%. The incidence of ITPI was calculated in relation to the age of the calf at testing and the breed of calf, and no significant differences were found. A significant difference was found in the incidence of ITPI when comparing the calf’s first feed after separation from the dam (colostrum versus a colostrum-transition milk mixture). The farm with the lowest incidence of ITPI collected calves twice a day, measured colostrum quality on farm with a Brix refractometer and ensured that each calf received an appropriate amount of high-quality colostrum soon after collection. Further studies are required to establish the risk factors of ITPI in South Australian dairy heifers.

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