Effects of immunoglobulin G, A, M (IgG, IgA, IgM), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and lactoferrin levels in colostrum and blood serum on growth properties and viability of Anatolian buffalo calves

Sufficient passive immunity, high viability and optimum growth performance of buffalo calves in the early postpartum period depend on the level of immunoglobulins (Ig's) and other bioactive components receive with colostrum. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Ig's, IGF-1 and lactoferrin levels in the first milking colostrum fed to buffalo calves as well as serum Ig's, IGF-1 and lactoferrin levels on growth performance and vitality. In addition, the effect of environmental factors on the levels of these bioactive components in the first milking colostrum and in the serum of thebuffalo calves was also investigated. The research was carried out in five private farms in Bafra district of Samsun province. The Anatolian buffaloes (86 cows) and calves were used in the study. The body condition scores (BCS) in the dry period were evaluated between '1' (very thin) and '5' (very fat). The dry matter (DM), fat, solid non fat (SNF), protein and lactose levels were determined. In addition, blood samples taken from the first milking colostrum, 24-48 h and 28 d after birth, were sent to a private laboratory and IgG, IgM, IgA, IGF-1 and lactoferrin levels were determined by ELISA. To determine the growth characteristics, body weight (BW) and body measurements at the age of 0-6 months were taken. In the dry period, DM, fat and IgG levels in the colostrum of buffaloes with high BCS were found to be higher. It was determined that buffalo calves fed with colostrum containing high IgG and IGF-1 levels had higher daily live weight gain (DLWG) at the age of 0-30 d. The bufallo calves with high serum IgG levels within 24-48 h after birth had higher DLWG values in different age periods. The diarrhea was found to be the most common disease in the 0-30 d and 31-60 d age periods of calves. However, it was determined that buffalo calves with high serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels in 24-48 h had higher survivability at the age of 0-6 mo. The diarrhea was not observed in buffalo calves with high serum IgG levels within 24-48 h after birth. In addition, it was determined that Anatolian buffalo calves had a high survivability and their deaths were at a minimum level (%5.91). As a result, it was concluded that buffalo calves fed with good quality colostrum and having high serum IgG had higher growth performance and viability.