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PubMed2001

Fatty acid composition of human colostrum in Slovenian women living in urban and rural areas.

Colostrum samples were collected on the third day postpartum from 41 Slovenian women living in urban (n = 27) or rural (n = 14) areas. The fatty acid composition of total lipids, analysed by capillary gas-liquid chromatography, was very similar in women from both areas. The only difference was a higher content of oleic acid (18:1n-9) in rural vs. urban areas (36.85 vs. 34.94 wt%, p < 0.05). The fatty acid composition of colostrum lipids in Slovenia was as follows (mean wt%): saturated 37.68, monounsaturated 40.49, polyunsaturated 21.82, linoleic acid (18:2n-6) 15.25, alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) 0.91, docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) 0.43 and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) 1.03. The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids was 0.58 and the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids was 8.0. Compared to published data on the colostrum fatty acid composition in other European, American and Asian countries, colostrum from Slovenian women is most similar to Spanish and French colostrum, probably due to a similar fatty acid composition of dietary lipids.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

Colostrum intake and thermoregulation in the neonatal pig in relation to environmental temperature.

Colostrum consumption and rectal temperature (RT) have been measured on piglets kept at 18-20 degrees C (CG = cold group) and at 30-32 degrees C (WG = warm group) during the first day of life. At an ambient temperature of 18-20 degrees C, piglets consumed 36.8% less (p less than 0.01) colostrum than their littermates at 30-32 degrees C. There was a positive correlation between birth weight and colostrum intake in both groups of piglets. From birth weight and weight gain measurements, colostrum intake could be accurately predicted (R2 = 0.75). RT of piglets significantly dropped after birth and subsequently rose, the extent of the initial fall and the rate of the subsequent rise birth and subsequently rose, the extent of the initial fall and the rate of the subsequent rise depended on the environmental temperature. RT of CG remained significantly lower than that of WG, and a further significant decrease was found from 15 h after birth in CG. At 18-20 degrees C, a progressive decline of the effect of birth weight and a concomitant increase in the effect of colostrum intake. 5 of the 39 CG died within 3 days after birth, while all 41 WG survived. Results provide evidence for cold stress as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the neonatal pigs.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

IgA antibodies, TGF-beta1 and -beta2, and soluble CD14 in the colostrum and development of atopy by age 4.

Specific defense factors in breast milk together with length of breast-feeding and genetic predisposition may modulate the development of allergy. We studied whether IgA, soluble CD14 (sCD14), or transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in colostrum could affect the development of atopy in children up to age 4. From a cohort of 4676, we selected four groups of children with either long or short exclusive breast-feeding (>3.5 or <0.5 mo); these groups further differed in the presence or absence of atopic heredity. In colostrum from mothers, we measured total IgA, IgA antibodies to cow's milk (CM) and casein, sCD14, and TGF-beta1 and -beta2. The children were divided into three groups: those with no atopic symptoms or IgE, those with allergic symptoms, and those with both outcomes. Mothers of infants later showing atopic symptoms or, in addition, having IgE sensitization (verified atopy) had a lower concentration of IgA casein antibodies in their colostrum than did mothers of infants with no indication of atopy at age 4. Low concentration of IgA casein antibodies was a significant risk for verified atopy. sCD14 levels were lower in colostrum of mothers with infants developing atopic symptoms and IgE sensitization than of those of infants with no atopy. Specific IgA antibodies to CM antigens and sCD14 in colostrum significantly associated with the appearance of both symptomatic and verified atopy by age 4.

Animals↗

PubMed1978

Secretion and immunochemical properties of the trypsin inhibitor from bovine colostrum.

A trypsin inhibitor was isolated from bovine colostrum by affinity chromatography. Immunoelectrophoresis detected two immunogenic components in the isolated inhibitor, but only one of these was specific for the inhibitor; the other one was identical with an antigen present in liver, kidney, spleen, adrenal, thyroid, thymus, brain, ovarian, testicular and udder tissue and in bull seminal plasma. Using immunoabsorption and immunofluorescence it was shown that the antigens specific for the trypsin inhibitor of colostrum could be demonstrated only in the tissue of an udder that is secreting colostrum. The inhibitor is secreted by the secretory epithelium of the milk alveoli of the udder, during the period when the latter secretes colostrum. This inhibitor was not detected in the milk. Cross-reaction between antisera to colostral inhibitor and basic pancreatic inhibitor or seminal plasma inhibitors yielded negative results. Antiserum to bovine colostral inhibitor showed a positive reaction with inhibitor isolated from porcine colostrum.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Chitotriosidase activity in colostrum from African and Caucasian women.

Chitotriosidase (ChT), a protein produced by activated macrophages, belongs to the chitinases, a group of enzymes able to hydrolyze chitin, a structural component of fungi and nematodes. A codominant inherited deficiency in ChT activity is frequently reported in plasma of Caucasian subjects, whereas in the African population this deficiency is rare. This study compares ChT activity in colostrum of 53 African women and 50 Caucasian women. Samples were collected at 24-48 and 72 h after delivery. We found elevated ChT in colostrum of African women on the first day after delivery (1230+/-662 nmol/mL/h) which decreased to 275+/-235 nmol/mL/h on the third day. The ChT activity on the first day after delivery in the colostrum of Caucasian women, however, was significantly lower (293+/-74 nmol/mL/h) and decreased to 25+/-20 and 22+/-19 nmol/mL/h on the 2nd and 3rd day, respectively. The ChT activity in plasma of African women was also higher (101+/-80 nmol/mL/h) than that of Caucasian women (46+/-16 nmol/mL/h), but no correlation was found between plasma and colostrum ChT activity. The elevated ChT activity in colostrum of African women suggests the presence of activated macrophages in human milk, consistent with the genetic characteristics of the African population.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Serum lactoferrin concentrations in colostrum-fed calves.

OBJECTIVE: To determine serum lactoferrin concentrations (SLFC) in neonatal calves before and after ingestion of colostrum and to develop models that predict SLFC as a function of colostral lactoferrin concentrations (CLFC) in calves. ANIMALS: 13 Holstein calves. PROCEDURE: Calves were fed 4 L of colostrum via oroesophageal feeder within 3 hours after birth. Serum samples were collected before ingestion of colostrum (day 0) and 2, 4, 6, and 7 days after birth. Colostrum and serum IgG concentrations were measured by use of radial immunodiffusion. The CLFC and SLFC were determined by use of an ELISA. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD SLFC on days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 7 were 2.5+/-1.6 (range 0.47 to 71), 6.0+/-3.0 (range 2.0 to 16.6), 12.0+/-12.4 (range 0.0 to 43.5), 171+/-13.6 (range 2.2 to 39.4), and 13.6+/-16.4 (range 0.0 to 43.8) mg/ml, respectively. The SLFC on days 6 and 7 differed significantly from SLFC on day 0. The model that best estimated SLFC on day 6 predicted that (SLFC)2 was a function of the logarithm of relative efficiency of passive transfer (REPT) and ([CLFC]2 x [REPT]2), where R2 = 0.4. The model for SLFC on day 7 predicted that (SLFC)2 was a function of log(REPT), where R2 = 0.44. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Definitive evidence for passive transfer of lactoferrin via colostrum is lacking, because SLFC on day 2 or 4 were not significantly different than day 0. Relative efficiency of lactoferrin absorption was directly related to SLFC on day 6 but inversely related to SLFC on day 7.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Predicted ages of dairy calves when colostrum-derived bovine viral diarrhea virus antibodies would no longer offer protection against disease or interfere with vaccination.

OBJECTIVE: To develop models that could be used to predict, for dairy calves, the age at which colostrum-derived bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) antibodies would no longer offer protection against infection or interfere with vaccination. DESIGN: Prospective observational field study. ANIMALS: 466 calves in 2 California dairy herds. PROCEDURE: Serum BVDV neutralizing antibody titers were measured from birth through 300 days of age. The age by which colostrum-derived BVDV antibodies had decayed sufficiently that calves were considered susceptible to BVDV infection (ie, titer < or = 1:16) or calves became seronegative was modeled with survival analysis methods. Mixed-effects regression analysis was used to model colostrum-derived BVDV antibody titer for any given age. RESULTS: Half the calves in both herds became seronegative for BVDV type I by 141 days of age and for BVDV type II by 114 days of age. Rate of antibody decay was significantly associated with antibody titer at 1 to 3 days of age and with whether calves were congenitally infected with BVDV. Three-month-old calves were predicted to have a mean BVDV type-I antibody titer of 1:32 and a mean BVDV type-II antibody titer of 1:16. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results provide an improved understanding of the decay of BVDV-specific colostrum-derived antibodies in dairy calves raised under typical field conditions. Knowledge of the age when the calf herd becomes susceptible can be useful when designing vaccination programs aimed at minimizing negative effects of colostrum-derived antibodies on vaccine efficacy while maximizing overall calf herd immunity.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2006

Serum IgG and total protein concentrations in dairy calves fed two colostrum replacement products.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of 2 commercially available colostrum replacement products on serum IgG and total protein concentrations in dairy calves. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 84 Holstein bull calves from a single dairy. PROCEDURES: Calves were randomly assigned to be given 4 quarts of colostrum (group 1; n = 21), 2 packages of a colostrum replacement product (product A; group 2; 21), 1 package of a different colostrum replacement product (product B; group 3; 21), or 2 packages of product B (group 4; 21). Treatments were given within 3 hours after birth, and blood samples were collected 24 hours later and submitted for determination of serum total protein and IgG concentrations. RESULTS: Group 1 calves had significantly higher serum total protein and IgG concentrations than did calves in the other 3 groups. However, the percentage of calves with adequate passive transfer (ie, serum IgG concentration > 1,000 mg/dL) was not significantly different among groups 1 (90%), 3 (81%), and 4 (95%). In contrast, only 10% of calves in group 2 had adequate passive transfer. It was predicted that calves fed product B that had serum total protein concentrations > 5.2 g/dL would have serum IgG concentrations > 1,000 mg/dL at least 90% of the time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that product B could be considered as an alternative to colostrum in dairy calves, but product A failed to routinely provide adequate serum IgG concentrations when fed according to label directions.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

PubMed1991

Effect of colostrum intake on hepatic gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation in the neonatal pig.

A total of 24 newborn pigs were used to determine 1) the relationship between the quantity of colostrum consumed and the capacity for gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation and 2) whether fatty acid oxidation limits gluconeogenesis in isolated hepatocytes. Neonatal pigs were obtained prior to nursing and allotted to one of three treatment groups; fed (ad libitum), limit-fed (25% of fed group), or fasted. Hepatocytes were isolated when pigs were 24 h old. Colostrum intake altered the metabolic status of neonates such that the capacity for glucose synthesis and oxidation of octanoate increased with intake. Glucose synthesis with lactate as the substrate was greater (P less than .01) for fed pigs (10.79 mumol glucose.h-1.mg DNA-1) than for either limit-fed (6.56) or fasted counterparts (4.78), which were similar (P greater than .10). Colostrum intake failed to stimulate synthesis from alanine. The oxidation rate for octanoate was similar for fed and limit-fed pigs (.62 and .61 nmol CO2.h-1.mg DNA-1, respectively) but greater (P less than .05) than that observed for fasted counterparts (.36). Oxidation of octanoate (2 mM) was approximately 30-fold greater than for oleate (1 mM); oxidation of the latter was not affected by either colostrum intake or the addition of carnitine (1 mM). The increase in octanoate oxidation, however, did not elicit an increase in glucose synthesis by fasting pigs with either lactate or alanine as precursors. Thus, we conclude that gluconeogenesis is a function of colostrum intake and that reducing equivalents and(or) ATP may not be primary factors limiting glucose synthesis in pigs fasted from birth.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Feeding colostrum increases circulating insulin-like growth factor I in newborn pigs independent of endogenous growth hormone secretion.

Our objective was to examine the influence of feeding and endogenous GH secretion on circulating IGF-I in colostrum-deprived newborn pigs fed colostrum (n = 4), formula (control, n = 4), or water (n = 4). In another four formula-fed pigs, GH was ablated (GRF-A) with two intravenous injections of a GH releasing-factor antagonist (N-Ac-Tyr1,D-Arg2)-GRF(1-29)-NH2. Blood was serially sampled in all pigs to measure plasma IGF-I and GH profiles. Feeding increased plasma IGF-I concentration two- to fourfold and decreased GH secretion. Despite a more than 80% decrease in the plasma GH in GRF-A pigs, the circulating IGF-I concentration was similar to that in control pigs. In colostrum-fed pigs, plasma IGF-I was higher than that in control pigs, despite equal nutrient intake and lower circulating GH. There were no differences in plasma IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 levels among the treatment groups. However, the relative abundance of plasma IGFBP-4 was lower, and that of IGFBP-1 higher, in unfed pigs than in any of the three fed groups. The plasma insulin concentration was not different among fed pigs, but it was lower in unfed pigs. Our results indicate that the circulating IGF-I concentration is more dependent on nutrient intake than on GH in newborn pigs, despite relatively high GH concentrations. However, because the nutrient content in the formula was designed to match that of colostrum, a factor other than nutrient intake and GH was responsible for the maximal increase in circulating IGF-I concentration observed in colostrum-fed pigs.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Effects of dexamethasone on lymphoid tissue in the gut and thymus of neonatal calves fed with colostrum or milk replacer.

An increased susceptibility to disease in neonatal calves may be attributable to high glucocorticoid levels that influence immune reactions. We tested whether dexamethasone (DEXA) administration influences the proliferation, apoptosis, and number of B- and T-lymphocytes in Peyer's patches (PP) and thymus in calves fed colostrum (C) or a milk-derived formula. All calves were subcutaneously administered bovine colostrum-derived immunoglobulin G and fed chicken-egg derived immunoglobulins that protected against rotavirus and pathogenic Escherichia coli. The DEXA (30 microg/kg of BW daily) was injected for 4 d into groups fed colostrum on the first 3 d (CD+) and those fed the formula that contained nutrients in amounts as in colostrum but no immunoglubulin G (FD+). Groups CD- and FD were fed the same as the other two groups, but did not receive DEXA. Immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate cell proliferation rates (by labeling of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine), apoptosis rates (by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated X-dUTP nick end labeling). Numbers of T- and B-lymphocytes were determined with antibodies specific for CD3 and CD79 surface proteins. There were significant effects (P < 0.05) of DEXA treatment (decrease of cell proliferation rates in follicles of PP and thymus, increase of apoptotic rate in follicles of PP and thymus, decrease of B-lymphocyte numbers in follicles of PP, increase of B-lymphocyte numbers in domes of PP, increase of T-lymphocyte numbers in follicles of PP, and a decrease of intraepithelial T-lymphocyte numbers). There were significant effects (P < 0.05) of C feeding (decrease of cell proliferation rates in follicles of PP and of B-lymphocyte numbers in interfollicular areas, domes, and follicular-associated epithelium of PP, and an increase of cell proliferation rate in the thymus). A DEXA x feeding interaction (P < 0.001) was found for cell proliferation rate in the thymus. In conclusion, DEXA treatment decreased cell proliferation rates in follicles of PP and thymus and enhanced apoptotic rates in follicles of PP. Colostrum feeding decreased cell proliferation rates, likely of B-lymphocytes, in follicles of PP and numbers of B-lymphocytes in domes, follicular-associated epithelium, and interfollicular areas of PP and enhanced cell proliferation rates and selectively modified DEXA effects in the thymus.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2004

Nucleotides in sow colostrum and milk at different stages of lactation.

An experiment was conducted with the objective of measuring the concentrations of total milk solids (TMS), CP, and 5'monophosphate nucleotides in sow colostrum and milk. Twelve multiparous sows (Landrace x Yorkshire x Duroc) were used. Litter size was standardized at 11 piglets for all sows at farrowing. Sows were fed an 18.45% CP corn-soybean meal-based diet throughout lactation. The experimental period was the initial 28 d of lactation, with colostrum collected within 12 h of farrowing and milk collected on d 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Colostrum and milk samples were analyzed for TMS, CP, adenosine 5'monophosphate (5'AMP), cytidine 5'monophosphate (5'CMP), guanosine 5'monophosphate (5'GMP), inosine 5'monophosphate (5'IMP), and uridine 5'monophosphate (5'UMP). Total milk solids decreased (P < 0.05) from 26.7% on d 0 to 23.1% on d 3. The TMS further decreased (P < 0.05) to 19.3% on d 7, but remained relatively constant thereafter at 18.2, 18.8, and 19.2% on d 14, 21, and 28, respectively. The concentration of CP decreased from 16.6% in colostrum to 7.7, 6.2, 5.5, 5.7, and 6.3% in milk collected on d 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, respectively (linear and quadratic effect; P < 0.05). Concentrations of 5'AMP, 5'CMP, 5'GMP, and 5'IMP increased from d 0 to d 3 and d 7, and then decreased during the remaining lactation period (quadratic effect; P < 0.05). The concentration of 5'UMP decreased from d 0 to 28 of lactation (linear and quadratic effects; P < 0.05). In colostrum, 5'UMP represented 98% of all 5'monophosphate nucleotides, and in milk, 5'UMP accounted for 86 to 90% of all nucleotides, regardless of day of lactation. The results of this experiment suggest that the concentrations of TMS and CP in sow mammary secretions changed during the first week of lactation, but were constant thereafter. Likewise, the concentrations of 5'monophosphate nucleotides changed during the initial week postpartum, but during the last 2 wk of a 4-wk lactation period, the concentrations were constant.

Adenosine Monophosphate↗

PubMed2001

Effect of composition of colostrum and transition milk from Holstein heifers on specificity rates of antibiotic residue tests.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of colostrum and transition milk composition on specificity rates of antibiotic residue screening tests. Milk from 25 primigravid Holstein heifers was collected from either first, second, or third milking (colostrum) and from either fifth, sixth, or seventh milking (transition milk) following parturition. Milk sampled was visibly normal and heifers were not treated with an antibiotic within 30 d before parturition. Quarter foremilk samples were collected aseptically and analyzed for mastitis pathogens. A sample from the total composite milk was analyzed for somatic cell counts (SCC), milk protein and fat, immunoglobulin concentrations and for antibiotics using four antibiotic residue screening tests. Mastitis pathogens were present in colostrum from 36% of heifers (n = 9) and from 16% of heifers (n = 4) in the subsequent transition milk. Mean SCC were 2,458,000 and 866,000 counts/ml and IgG1 concentrations were 22.7 and 3.07 mg/ml for colostrum and transition milk, respectively. Specificity rates of the screening tests ranged from 0.16 to 0.88 for colostrum and 0.60 to 1.0 for transition milk. Increased milk protein and IgG1 concentrations in milk were associated with an increase in the probability of a false positive outcome for the Charm Cowside (Charm Sciences, Inc., Malden, MA), CITE Snap (IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, ME), and Penzyme (Cultor Food Science, Milwaukee, WI) tests. Fat content of milk was positively related to an increase in false positive rates for the CITE Snap test. Milk should not be tested for antibiotic residues before the sixth milking after parturition to avoid high rates of false positive outcomes.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

C-reactive protein and antibacterial activity in blood plasma of colostrum-fed calves and the effect of lactulose.

Several milk proteins are very important for immunological defense and can be absorbed in the intestine of calves in the first hours after birth. The influence of colostrum intake and the effect of additional lactulose application on the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) in blood were investigated. The CRP is known as a mediator of innate immunity. Results were compared to the bovine acute phase protein haptoglobin, and to lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and immunoglobulins in plasma from calves. After colostrum intake, the concentration of most proteins were strongly increased. The data show, for the first time, a significant increase of CRP in the blood of calves 1 d after colostrum intake (nonlactulose group, n = 10), and an even more significant increase in CRP concentration (1 d postpartum) was measured in the group of animals with additional application of lactulose (lactulose group, n = 10) when compared to the nonlactulose group. In an in vitro assay with the plasma of these animals, an increased bactericidal activity was detected against Morganella morganii (1 d postpartum) in both groups, but again a higher activity occurred in the lactulose group. The results of these investigations emphasize the importance of colostrum intake during the first hours after birth for the defense potential of newborn calves. In addition, lactulose may have a positive effect in the period of passive transfer of colostrum proteins and in the immune defense.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

PubMed2005

Short communication: evaluation of a color method for testing immunoglobulin G concentration in goat colostrum.

Colostrum samples (n = 1084) of first and second milking from Majorera goats were taken. The immunoglobulin (Ig) G concentrations estimated by measurement of the color of goat colostrum and by the radial immunodiffusion technique were compared. Least squares analysis of the relationship between the color measurement method and IgG concentration resulted in a significant linear relationship. Using 20 mg of IgG/ mL of colostrum as the cut-off point for colostrum selection, the sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of the color method as a test of IgG concentration in goat colostrum were 93.03, 71.43, and 78.12%, respectively.

Animals↗

PubMed1980

Influence of feeding fermented colostrum and Lactobacillus acidophilus on fecal flora of dairy calves.

Twenty Holstein calves were assigned alternately at birth to diets of 1) fermented colostrum, 2) colostrum treated with 1% propionic acid, 3) whole milk, or 4) whole milk treated with Lactobacillus acidophilus (frozen concentrate culture) at 5 x 10(8) organisms per litter. Diets were fed once daily for 3 wk at 10% of birth weight as the sole source of nutritients. Fecal samples were collected at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of age and analyzed for coliform and lactobacilli numbers. Fermented colostrum diets did not alter coliform counts in feces of healthy calves. Fecal coliform counts of calves fed L. acidophilus decreased with time. Average fecal lactobacilli counts were lower for the colostrum diets than milk diets. The apparent lowered incidence of scours frequently reported in calves fed fermented colostrum diets was not reflected in major changes in fecal microflora under the conditions of this study.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

Rotavirus and Cryptosporidium shedding in dairy calf feces and its relationship to colostrum immune transfer.

Twenty Holstein calves received 2 L of colostrum twice within 12 h after birth; the first feeding occurred within 2 h of parturition. The increase in adsorption efficiency was related to the gamma globulin provided in the first colostrum feeding. Absorption efficiency ranged from 2.4 to 46.1%. The number of sheddings of rotavirus and Cryptosporidium by the calves during their first 4 wk of life was associated with serum gamma globulin concentration 24 h after birth and absorption efficiency. Absorption efficiency and body weight combined accounted for 60.4% of the variation in the number of sheddings; heavier calves shed more than lighter calves. During the first 4 wk, calves that shed more frequently gained less weight; weight gain was also associated with serum gamma globulin levels 24 h after birth. Colostrum composition varied between quarters of the same cow. Total protein and gamma globulin content of colostrum from the rear quarters was higher than from the front quarters. The association between number of sheddings and absorption efficiency suggest that calves should not be fed colostrum containing less than 9 g/100 ml of total protein.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Immunoglobulin concentration, specific gravity, and nitrogen fractions of colostrum from Jersey cattle.

Colostrum samples from 88 Jersey cows were analyzed for concentrations of IgG, IgM, IgA, total solids, specific gravity, and N fractions. Colostrum (50 ml) was sampled from each cow as soon as possible after parturition, and specific gravity was determined immediately using a hydrometer. Samples then were frozen prior to analysis of Ig, fat, and N fractions. Mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 65.8, 2.4, and 1.7 g/L, respectively. Concentration of IgG was lower, and IgA was higher, in colostrum from second lactation cows than from first lactation cows or from cows in third or later lactations; IgM increased linearly as lactation number increased. Total N, protein N, noncasein N, and fat contents also were lower in second lactation cows. Regression of total Ig (grams per liter) on specific gravity was -1172 + 1180 x specific gravity (r2 = .38). Relationship of total Ig to specific gravity differed from colostrum of Holstein cattle and may have been related to differences in fat and noncasein N concentrations. Use of specific gravity hydrometer to estimate Ig concentration using equations derived from Holstein cattle appears to underestimate Ig concentration in colostrum from Jersey cattle.

Animals↗