The Importance of Colostrum to the Calves Health

The health of calves is very important for successful cattle breeding and production. The calves are born without their own immunoglobulin and their immune system in the first weeks of life is not functional at the level of adult animals. The ability to control microbial invasion from the environment within a very short time after birth is crucial for calf's health and survival. Sufficient colostral immunity is important for the calves' health because colostral immunoglobulin provide systemic as well as local protection. Several factors influence absorption of colostral immunoglobulin. Efficiency of colostral immunoglobulin transfer can be assessed with different methods, for instance by measuring Ig concentration in calves' serum or indirectly by measuring the total serum protein concentration, and activity of enzyme gamma glutamyltransferase. This book highlights the importance of the proper colostrum management for passive immunity and health of the new-born calves. The age related dynamics of blood serum immunoglobulin concentration is presented as well as methods that enable the assessment of passive immunity in calves and other factors influencing calves health.