The Effect of Lyophilized And Extracted From Holstein Cow Colostrum Immunoglobulins on Blood Antibody Levels in Newborn Calves

In cattle, the absence of transplacental antibody transfer renders neonates dependent on colostrum-derived immunoglobulins (Ig) to establish passive immunity. Immunoglobulins were isolated from colostrum obtained from different farms, lyophilized, pooled, and the effect of these lyophilized immunoglobulins on the immune system and blood parameters of calves within the first 24 hours of life was investigated. Colostrum from multiple dairy herds was quality-checked (composition, %Brix, total Ig, somatic cell count, total bacterial count), pooled, and lyophilized to prepare an Ig concentrate. Twelve neonates were randomly assigned to Control (maternal colostrum only; n = 6) or Ig-Supp (maternal colostrum + lyophilized Ig concentrate; n = 6). Blood was collected at 0 h and 24 h postpartum. Serum total Ig (ELISA), %Brix, and biochemistry (ALB, GGT, LDH, TP, etc.) were measured. Apparent efficiency of Ig absorption (AEA) was calculated. Maternal colostrum from enrolled cows showed significant among-group differences for fat, electrical conductivity, total Ig, somatic cell count, and total bacterial load. Supplemented calves exhibited +2.64% higher AEA than controls and showed higher serum %Brix, albumin, GGT, and LDH, alongside lower serum total Ig and total protein at 24 h. Overall, the concentrate demonstrated high biological activity, indicating intestinal uptake into serum. As a result, the biological activity of the product obtained was high and the Ig concentrate added to the colostrum of newborn calves from the mother increased the amount of Ig in the blood serum and absorbed from the intestines.