Assessment of the Quality of Cow Colostrum Obtained in the First Days After Calving
Keywords:
colostral period, colostrum quality, newborn calves, physico-chemical componentsAbstract
For a newborn calf, colostrum is the first and most vital food. Colostrum has an increased proportion of components transferred directly from the mother's blood. A newborn calf's health, productivity, and longevity depend on the type and amount of colostrum they receive initially. By measuring the colostrum's physico-chemical components and refractive index on the Brix scale, the study sought to assess the colostrum's quality during the first five days following calving. The concentration of IgG in bovine colostrum was estimated with a portable and easy-to-use refractometer, and its concentration varied significantly from day two. According to the studies, IgG levels significantly dropped after calving, going from an average of 35 brix on the first day to 10 brix on the fifth. Although its components vary greatly, colostrum up until day five has a higher concentration of lipids, proteins, and dry matter—all of which are vital for the newborn.
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