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 immunoglobulin G concentrations in calves fed fresh colostrum or a colostrum supplement.

This study compared serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in calves fed colostrum with those of calves fed a colostrum supplement containing spray-dried serum. Twenty-four Holstein calves were randomly assigned to I of 2 treatment groups (fresh colostrum or colostrum supplement). Each calf was fed 4 L of colostrum (n, = 12) or 4 L of colostrum supplement (n2 = 12) via oroesophageal intubation at 3 hours of age.