Effect of Environment- and Animal-Based Factors on the Main Components and Bioactive Substances in Buffalo Colostrum and Calf Serum

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of some environment- and animal-based factors, such as body condition score (BCS) on 15–20 days before parturition, parity, and calving season on colostrum dry matter (DM), fat, solids-nonfat (SNF), protein, and lactose contents as well as colostrum and calf's serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM), IGF-1, and lactoferrin concentrations in buffaloes. Therefore, the components of colostrum (at the first milking) and calf serum samples (at 24–48 h and 28 days after birth) from 86 Anatolian buffalo cows were analyzed by an infrared milk analyzer and ELISA test. The high BCS enhanced colostrum DM, fat, and IgG content; calf serum IgG concentration at 24–48 h, and lactoferrin at 28 days compared to low BCS. At 28 days, the serum IgA and IgM concentrations were higher in the calves of cows with a parity of 2 and 4, respectively, compared to other parities. The colostrum SNF and protein percentage in summer were higher than that in autumn but not in winter and spring. In conclusion, a high BCS could ensure successful passive immunity transfer in buffalo calves by improving the studied colostrum and calf serum parameters, which are affected by parity and calving season.