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of immunoglobulin (IgG) absorption in calves consuming this colostrum. A recent study showed that serum concentrations of total IgG and anti-ovalbumin IgG after colostrum feeding were higher in calves born from cows supplemented with palmitic acid (C16:0) compared with essential fatty acids (EFA). Colostrum supplements (composed of bovine colostrum, other milk products, or bovine serum) can be used to improve the quality of colostrum and increase the amount of IgG fed to calves when confronted with low or medium quality colostrum. In recent studies, calves fed bovine serum-based colostrum replacer have performed as well as calves fed good quality maternal colostrum with no differences in IgG levels, efficiency of IgG absorption, incidence of scours, or growth rates.
Botanicals (Apex) and calf health
Botanicals and plant extracts have been used for medicinal purposes in humans and animals for centuries. Recently a renewed interest in using botanicals to stimulate the immune and GIT systems in farmed animals led to the introduction of many products to the market. Botanicals contain active components and metabolites that are able to scavenge free radicals, inhibit peroxidation of membrane lipids, chelate metals, and stimulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes. But the most important activities of most plant extracts are as antimicrobials and antiseptics. Many studies have illustrated the efficacy of plant extracts as antimicrobials against many gram positive and negative 56 | February 2017 - Milling and Grain
bacteria, and a wide range of fungi, parasites, protozoa and viruses. Several other studies have also indicated that plant extracts could influence the neuroendocrine system function of the animal and stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes (lipases, proteases and lactases). This can lead to better nutrient digestibility especially for less digestible protein sources in milk replacer and starter feed. Therefore many botanicals can be used to stimulate and support the calf’s natural defense mechanisms and its digestive system leading to improved intestinal and general health and feed utilization. Nutriad’s botanicals product for calves, Apex, consists of a combination of five concentrated plant extracts that were carefully selected based on their biological activity. The effectiveness of Apex in stimulating a calf’s health and performance has been confirmed in many studies. In an experiment with young calves fed milk-replacer powder (0.5 kg/d), and had ad libitum access to a starter concentrate during the first 50 days after arrival, starter intake, average daily gain and fecal scores were better (P < 0.05) in Apex fed calves compared to those fed the negative control. More importantly, results of Apex fed calves were similar or slightly better to those in the positive control group, fed anti-biotics (Oxytetracycline/Neomycin) (Table 1). In another study, the effect of Apex on calf’s growth and fecal scores was investigated during the first eight weeks of life. The calves were fed a milk replacer (4 l/d) containing appreciable amount of soy protein and given Apex either in the milk replacer or in the starter or in both at 500 g/ ton, and compared with a control group. The calves fed Apex had better intakes, growth and fecal scores. The best result was obtained when Apex was fed in both milk replacer and starter (Table 2).
Conclusion
A healthy fast growing calf is capable of optimum performance throughout its life. The rearing phase (from birth to weaning) is the most critical period in the young calf’s life, with biological, environmental, and nutritional stressors. The success of this first rearing phase depends on establishing a sound calf nutrition & health program. A sound calf nutrition program revolves around early feeding of high quality colostrum, and the choice of high quality milk replacer and starter ration. Colostrum quality can be improved by a sound dry cow management and nutrition program; or by the addition of IgG (such as from spray-dried plasma, serum or globulins) to colostrum. Feeding certain botanicals, fatty acids and direct fed microbials (especially yeast cell walls) to the dry cow has shown to improve colostrum quality, and influence the efficiency of immunoglobulin (IgG) absorption. Furthermore, botanicals can be used to stimulate the immune and GIT systems and improve health, nutrient absorption and utilization in young calves.