Colostrum quality in Northern Italy: The role of dry cow nutrition and colostrum feeding management

Martina Pavesi, Giulia Gislon, Serena Bonizzi, Stefania Colombini, Nicola Palladini and Maddalena Zucali
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Martina Pavesi: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Giulia Gislon: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Serena Bonizzi: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Stefania Colombini: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Nicola Palladini: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Maddalena Zucali: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

Czech Journal of Animal Science, 2025, vol. 70, issue 11, 459-466

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of dry cow feeding on colostrum quality. A survey was conducted, and samples of colostrum and feed ingredients were collected from 25 dairy farms in Northern Italy. Colostrum was analysed for quality in terms of Brix value and gamma globulins, while diets and feed ingredients were analysed for their chemical constituents. The mean colostrum quality (n = 163) was 24.3 ± 4.41% Brix and 54.2 ± 20.8 g/l gamma globulin. The refractometer method effectively assessed colostrum quality, correlating accurately with laboratory gamma globulin measurements (R = 0.729). Factor analysis indicated that key nutrients, such as protein and fat daily intakes in dry cow diets, influenced colostrum immunoglobulin G. Furthermore, supplementation of selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin E also improved colostrum quality. Colostrum feeding occurred, on average, 5.44 ± 2.63 h post-calving, with a quantity of 2.74 ± 0.71 l per meal, which is below the recommended 10% of the calf body weight. However, the maximum feeding time was 12 h, and the minimum colostrum quantity was 1.25 l, highlighting considerable room for improvement.

Keywords: Brix; calf management; dairy calves; gamma globulins (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:70:y:2025:i:11:id:104-2025-cjas

DOI: 10.17221/104/2025-CJAS

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