The effect of immunoglobulin levels on calf performance and methods of artificially feeding colostrum to the newborn calf.

A survey of 1,250 purchased calves found that 40% had blood serum Ig values of less than 15 ZST units. A positive relationship was obtained between initial blood serum Ig level of the purchased calf and subsequent mortality. Calf liveweight gain within two systems of calf rearing was not related to initial blood serum Ig levels. No relationship was obtained between initial Ig levels and incidence of diarrhoea. Artificially feeding the newborn calf to appetite with first milking colostrum in two feeds, the first 4-6 hrs after birth and a second 4-6 hrs later results in 95% of calves having blood serum Ig levels greater than 15 ZST units. Artificially feeding the calf colostrum in the presence of the dam resulted in a significant increase in the calf's blood serum Ig level. Artificially feeding colostrum at room temperature (14 degrees C) did not significantly reduce colostrum intake or calf blood serum Ig levels.