Efficacy of a Dried Colostrum Powder in the Prevention of Disease in Neonatal Holstein Calves

The efficacy of a dried colostrum powder, DCW Concentrate™, as a colostrum supplement or substitute was tested using four groups of 15 calves. Physical condition and IgG status were examined during the first 30 d of life. Calves were fed the dried colostrum powder (group A), pooled colostrum (group C), or both (groups B and D) 2 h after birth. Calves fed 85 g of the dried colostrum powder dissolved in 3 kg of whole milk (group A) had significantly lower IgG concentrations 24 h after birth than calves of the other groups. Administration of 85 g of the dried colostrum powder plus 3 kg of colostrum (group C) did not lead to significantly higher IgG concentrations 24 h after birth than did administration of 3 kg of colostrum alone (group B). Calves fed 85 g of the dried colostrum powder plus 1.5 kg of colostrum (group D) had an IgG concentration at 24 h of age that was not significantly different from that of calves given 3 kg of colostrum (group B). Morbidity and mortality rates were not significantly different among groups. One calf died in each of groups A and B; no losses occurred in groups C and D. Body weight increase was not significantly different among groups.