Cross-sectional study investigating the components and quality of colostrum and colostrum replacement products fed to Ontario dairy goat kids.

Colostrum replacement products (CRP) for use in goat kids are sourced from bovine colostrum and often used by producers to supplement or replace maternal colostrum to prevent infections. To compare the CRP fed on farm to caprine colostrum a cross-sectional study was undertaken. Ontario dairy goat producers were asked to collect first milking colostrum from their goats and samples of the reconstituted commercial replacement product currently in use. The frozen samples were thawed and submitted for testing of fat, protein, and lactose content, IgG1 concentration, and aerobic bacterial culture. Compared with caprine colostrum, the reconstituted replacement products were lower in protein (11.7%), and fat (4.6%) and higher in lactose (5.4%) on average. The average IgG1 concentration in goat colostrum (53.5 g/L; range: 16.6-1,985.8) was significantly higher than in CRP (33.7 g/L; range: 10.7-55.3). The Brix cut point for good quality goat colostrum (50 g/L) was calculated at 23% (sensitivity = 69.6%, specificity = 88.0%) for goat colostrum and 26% for the CRP (sensitivity = 87.5%, specificity = 100%). The average aerobic bacteria count for goat colostrum was lower (2.95 log10 cfu/mL) than the CRP samples that were cultured (3.85 log10 cfu/mL). Further investigation into CRP, including on-farm storage of opened powdered product and mixing and storage of reconstituted product, is warranted. Variability in the levels of IgG1; aerobic bacterial growth; and fat, protein, and lactose content in CRP also requires further exploration to determine their effects on kid health.