The effects of calving season and parity on colostrum quality of Holstein cows

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1 Indian J. Anim. Res., 51 (3) 2017 : Print ISSN: / Online ISSN: AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATION CENTRE The effects of calving season and parity on colostrum quality of Holstein cows Erdal Yaylak*, Musa Yavuz and Serkan Özkaya Department of Animal Science, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey. Received: Accepted: DOI: /ijar ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of calving season (winter and spring) and parity (first and second parity) on colostrum quality. Colostrum of 42 Holstein cows raised at a private dairy farm was used in this experiment. Calving season and parity had no effects on major components of colostrum. However, somatic cell count (SCC) and the brightness of the colostrum (L*) values were affected by calving season (P<0.05). The mean of winter colostrum SCC was lower than the spring season (P<0.05). The brightness of the colostrum was found to be higher in winter season than in spring season (P<0.01). Colostrometer has been used to evaluate colostrum quality and Brix refractometer and colorimeter can also be used to assess colostrum quality. Key words: Colostrometer, Colorimeter, Holstein colostrum, Quality, Refractometer. Abbreviations: SCC: somatic cell count, Ig: immunoglobulins, L*:brightness, INTRODUCTION First secretion of mammary gland is colostrums after parturition and it is a rich source of immunoglobulins (Ig). Immunoglobulin does not pass from the cow s body to the fetus during pregnancy, because it is impermeable in cattle placenta (Lang, 2008). Calves cannot produce immunoglobulin in the first month after birth. Colostrum is the first source of passive immune protection which is essential for keeping the calf health after birth (Jones and Heinrichs, 2006). Besides, colostrum is a highly significant source of nutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin and minerals), nutraceuticals and contains various bioactive compounds promoting the growth and development of newborn calves (Davis and Drackley, 1998; Pandey et al., 2011). Colostrums quality can be determined by direct a radial immune-diffusion or indirect methods (colostrometer, color method or Brix refractometer). Radial immunediffusion (RID) method is the best method and used as the most common standard to measure colostrum functional IgG levels (Bielmann et al., 2010). However, RID is an expensive test and requires more time (about hours) and labor to get the results. This makes it impractical to use in the farms. On the other hand, colostrometer is a hydrometer and commonly used in dairy facilities to measure the quality of colostrum. The specific gravity of colostrum is highly correlated with total solids (Bielmann et al., 2010). But colostrometer is a fragile instrument made of glass and results may not be reliable when refrigerated or warm colostrum was used in quality tests (Mechor et al., 1992). Another indirect measurement method, Brix refractometer, can also be used to assess IgG concentrations through total solids in *Corresponding author s erdalyaylak@sdu.edu.tr. colostrum solution. Besides, Brix refractometer can yield results with couple drops of colostrum and is not as sensitive as colostrometer to variations in colostrum temperatures (Bielmann et al., 2010). Color method also reported to be used for determination of colostrum quality (Gross et al., 2014). The present study was conducted to determine the effects of parity and calving season on major components of colostrum and colostrum quality of Holstein cows. Different methods were used to assess colostrum quality. Correlations between colostrum quality and colostrum components were also assessed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS The research was performed with the colostrum of 42 Holstein cows with different parities (the first and the second parity) and calving seasons (winter and spring) raised at a private dairy farm in Isparta province of Turkey. Colostrum samples ( cc) were taken within two hours of birth through milking with a milking machine. The colostrum samples were brought to the laboratory in cold chain. Immunoglobulin quantities were measured with a colostrometer in accordance with the directions of manufacturer (Biogenics, USA). Brix (%) values were measured with a refractometer (Hanna Instruments Inc. USA). The color of samples was measured with Minalto Chroma Meter R-400 (Minolta Co., Tdt, Japan). Chromatic measurements were carried out in accordance with CIELAB system with parameters L*, a*, b*. Chroma value [(a 2 +b 2 ) 1/2 ] were calculated using a* and b* values with following formulas as described by Wyszecki and Stiles

2 (1982). Chroma-meter measurements were performed in 3 replications at room temperature and average of three measurements were taken. Nearly 50-mL colostrum samples were stored at -20 C until analysed for total solid, fat, protein, lactose and freeze point by midinfrared spectrometry (Bentley 150 infrared) and SCC by flow cytometry (Bentley Somacount 150) in laboratories of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur. The logarithmic transformation of the SCC was done. The linear model used to analyses traits was as follow: Y ijk =µ+a i +b j +e ijk, Where Y ijk : Observation trait (fat, protein etc.); µ: General mean; a i : Calving season (winter and spring); b j : Parity (first and second); e ijk : Randomized error. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between colostrum traits were calculated. Data were analysed by using SPSS software (1999). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The effects of calving season and parity on composition and quality of colostrum: The major components of colostrum and somatic cell count of Holstein cows are provided in Table 1. Calving season and parity had no effects on components of colostrum. However, Abdoon Mohamed (2015) indicated significant impacts of calving season and parity on colostrum components. The researcher reported the greatest protein and lactose concentrations for autumn and the least levels for summer, the highest fat for summer and the least fat for winter. In present study, means and standard error level of total solid (21.74±0.571) was lower than the findings of Kehoe et al. (2007) and Mechor et al. (1992) ( %) and higher than the findings of Georgiev (2005) ( %). Average fat concentration of our study (6.89±0.424) was higher than the values reported by Georgiev (2005) and Kehoe et al. (2007) ( %) and lower than the findings of Mechor et al. (1992), and Abd El-Fattah et al. (2012) ( %). The mean protein content of the present study (13.61±0.384) was higher than the findings of Mechor et al. (1992) and Georgiev (2005) ( %) and lower than the results reported by Kehoe et al. (2007) (14.92%). Current lactose concentration was 2.41±0.11% and such a finding was found to be compatible with the findings of Kehoe et al. (2007) (2.49%). The chemical composition of colostrum (fat, Volume 51 Issue 3 (2017) 595 protein and lactose) and total solid content were found to be within normal limits for Holstein cows. Calving season of cows had an impact on somatic cell count (P<0.05). After the birth, the first lactation milk is expected to be higher for the SCC than those in the late period. However, high SCC levels may be an important indicator of mammary infection. Again high SCC levels adversely affect the subsequent growth of calves (Ferdowsi Nie et al., 2009). The low ambient temperature in winter has lowered the SCC. A positive relationship between the heat stress and SCC of milk were reported (Ominski et al., 2002). The mean SCC ( cells/ml) value of the present study was higher than upper limit of quality milk SCC ( cells/ml) level. However, this value can be considered normal for colostrum. Current findings on SCC were lower than the findings of Ferdowsi Nie et al. (2009). Mean value of freezing point of colostrum samples was ±0.008 C. Freezing point of normal milk is C less than distilled water. If the values are higher than C, water addition should be suspected (Homan and Wattiaux, 1995). The freezing point of colostrum can be higher than regular milk when mineral content is higher in the colostrum (Schuette and Huebner, 1933). Colostrum quality traits of Holstein cows are provided in Table 2. Parity had no effects on evaluated parameters. However, calving season had an impact on brightness (L*) of colostrum (P<0.01). Overall average colostrometer value (Ig) (91.0±4.48) was higher. According to international standards, quality colostrum should contain at least 50 mg IgG level with a common range of mg/ml (Gulliksen et al., 2008). Only 9.5% of colostrum values were between mg/ml. In general, a Brix value of 21-22% corresponds to 50 mg of IgG per ml and over this value can be considered as the first quality (Bielmann et al., 2010; Quigley et al., 2013). Mean Brix value (24.61±0.840%) was higher than the value reported by Quigley et al. (2013) (23.8%) and lower than the value reported by Bielmann et al. (2010) (26.3%). In this study, only 17% of samples were found to be below the standard cut off point of 21-22% for Brix value. Seasonal variations may result changes on diseases and ration formulation (Gulliksen et al., 2008). This also Table 1: Means and standard errors for major components of colostrum of Holstein cows for different calving seasons and parities. Season of calving Parity General Traits winter (n=22) spring (n=14) P first (n=15 second (n=21) P n=36 Total solid (%) 22.56± ± ± ± ±0.571 Fat (%) 7.45± ± ± ± ±0.424 Protein (%) 13.83± ± ± ± ±0.384 Lactose (%) 2.33± ± ± ± ±0.111 Freezing point ( C) ± ± ± ± ±0.008 SCC, cell/ml (x1000) 438± ± ± ± ±114 Log 10 SCC 5.59± ± ± ± ±0.053

3 596 INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL RESEARCH Table 2: Means and standard errors for colostrum quality traits of Holstein cows for different calving seasons and parities Season of calving Parity General Traits winter (n=23) spring (n=19) P first (n=18) second (n=24) P n=42 Colostrometer, 85.87± ± ± ± ±4.48 (Ig) mg/ml Brix % 25.45± ± ± ± ±0.840 L* 83.79± ± ± ± ±0.656 a* 0.49± ± ± ± ±0.204 b* 13.46± ± ± ± ±0.626 Chroma, 13.72± ± ± ± ±0.576 reflects on Ig production. Nardone et al. (1997) reported that IgG concentrations were reduced by %22.3 during the hot season. Although it is not significant, spring colostrum had higher Ig levels than winter colostrum (96.2 vs 85.9 mg/ ml) in our study. Gulliksen et al. (2008) also reported lower IgG levels for winter colostrum. Researchers stated the reason for higher IgG levels of spring colostrum as the consumption of fresh grass from the pastures instead of silage. Older cows are usually expose to pathogens more than the younger cows, thus immune substance levels of the older animals have been reported to be higher than the younger animals (Wattiaux, 2008); however, although not being significant according to statistical, the first lactation cows (94.1±6.816 mg/ml) had higher Ig levels than the second lactation cows (88.03±5.659 mg/ml). Tyler et al. (1999) also reported higher colostrum Ig levels for the first lactation cows. The reason for lower colostrum Ig levels of the second lactation cows may be resulted from troubles experienced in herd management. Thus, it was observed in experimental farm that regular records were not kept and drying off were not performed on time. The brightness of the colostrum was found to be higher in winter season than in spring season (P<0.01). Higher brightness indicates whiteness of the colostrum. The a* and b* values of colostrum samples were positive and colostrum had the colors of slightly red and yellow. Color is a good indicator of colostrum quality (Gross et al., 2014). The carotenoids consumed through feed significantly influence the milk color of dairy cows (Noziere et al., 2006). Carotenoids are responsible for yellow, orange and red coloring. More yellowish (b*: yellow (+), blue (-) and darker (L*: 0 for black and 100 white) colors indicate the improved quality (Gross et al., 2014). Present colostrum samples had higher values for lightness, redness and yellowness. Mean L*, a*, b* and chroma values of the present study were lower than values reported by Pagano and Avondo (2009). Yellow and darker colostrum colors are mostly because of fat, protein and immunoglobulin content of the colostrum (Gross et al., 2014). Correlations among some characteristics of colostrum: Correlations were investigated between some characteristics of colostrum (Table 3). In colostrometer studies, correlations were reported between IgG and specific gravity (Fleenor and Stott, 1980). Pritchett et al. (1994) indicated that the relationship between specific gravity and IgG in colostrum was not linear, it was rather curvilinear. Besides, colostrometer has been widely used to estimate IgG concentration of colostrum. Since colostrometer is sensitive to temperature and colostrum components like non-igg protein and fat can influence the specific gravity, Brix refractometers are also used to estimate IgG concentrations of colostrum (Doepel and Bartier, 2014). The correlation between colostrometer and Brix values was 0.70 (P<0.01) in present study. Bartier et al. (2013) reported the correlation coefficient of colostrometer with RID and Brix refractometer Table 3: Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between major components and quality traits of Holstein colostrum Traits Chroma Total solid, % 0.71 *** 0.91 *** ** *** *** 0.57 *** Protein, % (1) 0.49 ** *** *** 0.81 *** *** 0.70 *** Fat, % (2) * * 0.36 * ** 0.46 ** Lactose, % (3) * ** ** ** Freezing point, C (4) Log10SCC (5) Colostrometer, (Ig) (6) 0.70 ** * *** 0.55 *** Brix, % (7) ** 0.71 *** 0.72 *** L* (8) a* (9) b*(10) 1.00 *** * P<0.05, ** P<0.01, *** P<0.00

4 respectively as 0.77 and Brix refractometer can be used to determine colostrum quality. Since Brix refractometer is a cheap and it is reliably to find IgG concentrations of colostrum (Quigley et al., 2013). Color method could also be used for colostrum quality (Gross et al., 2014). In present study, correlations between the color b* values with colostrometer (Ig) (r=0.55) and Brix value (r=0.71) were significant (P<0.01). The relationship observed between L* and Ig values of the present study (-0.33; P<0.05) was complying with the relationship reported by Gross et al. (2014) with ELISA method (-0.45; P<0.0001). Argüello et al. (2005) reported a relationship between IgG and chroma (r=0.833). Researchers confirmed that color method could be reliably used with high sensitivity to estimate IgG concentrations of goat colostrum. Gross et al. (2014) identified lower sensitivity levels in cow colostrum. Color measurements are used to separate abnormal milk in dairy farms (Brandt et al., 2010). However, Gross et al. (2014) reported that there was not any information indicating the relationships between colostrum composition and colostrum color. The researchers carried out study to elucidate these relationships. In present study, significant relationships of L* with fat, and relationships of b* or chroma with total solids, protein, fat and lactose were observed (P<0.05). Similar findings were also reported by Gross et al. (2014). Since the correlation between chrome and b*value was 1.0, Chroma value was influenced from b* values more than a* values because a* values was lower (Table 3). The Volume 51 Issue 3 (2017) 597 Fig 1: Relationship between Brix % and chroma value for Holstein colostrum level of the relationship between protein and b* value was lower than the relationship between protein and colostrometer (Ig) or Brix values. On the other hand, correlation between Brix value and b* or chroma value was higher than the relationship between colostrometer and b* values indicating that colostrum quality could be determined with b* or chroma values. Degree of accuracy (R 2 ) of the relationship varied between In present study, correlation between Log 10 SCC and Ig values were not significant. However, Gulliksen et al. (2008) reported that low quality colostrum yielded higher SCC levels. Regression of chroma value on Brix % was demonstrated in Figure 1. Chroma values increased by 5.3 unit for each 10% increase in Brix values. Colorimeter should be further studied to determine colostrum quality before recommending it to the breeders. REFERENCES Abd El-Fattah, A.M., Abd Rabo, F.H., El-Dieb, S.M. and El-Kashef, H.A. (2012). Changes in composition of colostrum of Egyptian buffaloes and Holstein cows. BMC Vet. Res., 8: Abdoon Mohamed, T. (2015). The effect of parity order and season of calving on chemical composition of colostrum. Accessed: Arguello, A., Castro, N. and Capote, J. (2005). Short Communication: evaluation of a color method for testing immunoglobulin g concentration in goat colostrum. J. Dairy Sci., 88: Bartier, A., Windeyer, C. and Doepel, L. (2013). Evaluation of on-farm colostrum quality measurement tools. J. Dairy Sci., 96: (E-Suppl.) 1: 184. Bielmann, V., Gillan, J., Perkins, N.R., Skidmore, A.L., Godden, S. and Leslie, K.E. (2010). An evaluation of Brix refractometry instruments for measurement of colostrum quality in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci., 93: Brandt, M., Haeussermann, A. and Hartung, E. (2010). Invited review: technical solutions for analysis of milk constituents and abnormal milk. J. Dairy Sci., 93: Davis, C.L. and Drackley, J.K. (1998). The development, nutrition, and management of the young calf. Iowa State University Press. pp Doepel, L. and Bartier, A. (2014). Colostrum management and factors related to poor calf immunity. WCDS Adv. Dairy Tech., 26: Ferdowsi, Nia E., Ghorbani, G.R., Rahmani, H.R., Alikhani M., Alipour, M.M. and Nikkhah, A. (2009). Increased colostral somatic cell counts reduce pre-weaning calf immunity, health and growth. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr., 94: Fleenor, W.A. and Stott, G.H J. (1980). Hydrometer test for estimation of immunoglobulin concentration in bovine colostrum. Dairy Sci., 63:

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