Risk Factors for Inadequate Colostrum Uptake

The major factors influencing the effectiveness of passive transfer of immunoglobulins in calves are (1) the concentration of immunoglobulins in colostrum fed, (2) the volume of colostrum ingested, (3) the age of the calf at first colostral feeding, and (4) the bacterial load of the colostrum ingested.

There is large variation in colostrum immunoglobulin concentrations between individual cows and a variety of influences (genetic, environmental, physical) on the uptake of colostral antibodies by the calf. Although calves born to beef cows with lower colostrum immunoglobulin concentration had an increased risk of mortality,⁵⁹ numerous other studies in beef and dairy calves have failed to demonstrate an association between the colostral immunoglobulin levels and the serum immunoglobulin of the calves at 48 hours of age.^60-64 Administra­tion of a known volume and concentration of colostrum to dairy calves via oroesophageal feeder at a specific time after birth has been shown to have more linear correlation with calf serum IgG,^43,65 but administration of sufficient colostrum to provide 150 g IgG within 4 hours of birth can still result in FPT.