Sylvia Marquart Fontes Novo

Effect of maternal cells transferred with colostrum on the health of neonate calves

Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of cells from colostrum on the health of neonate calves. Animals were distributed in 2 groups: COL+ (n =9) which received fresh colostrum from their own damns; and COL− (n =10) which received frozen colostrums from donors. Heifers were assessed before colostrum intake – D0; D2; D7; D14; D21 and D28. Heifers were monitored by clinical examination, hematological profile and serum iron. COL− had a higher diarrhea intensity score (typically 3) on D7. Moreover, a single case each of bronchopneumonia and navel inflammation were observed in COL− calves. COL− had fewer red blood cells (RBC) (6.5±0.8×106/μL) and less hemoglobin (Hgb) (8.3±1.4g/dL) than COL+ (RBC=7.2±0.8×106/μL; Hgb=9.6±1.3g/dL) at D14 (P ≤0.05). COL− had more anemia on D21 (P =0.03) and on D28 (P =0.02). Iron was lower in COL− (5.6±2.7μM/L) than COL+ (10.7±6.2μM/L) (P =0.03) on D7. Lymphocytes was lower in COL− than COL+ on D7 (3.8±1.0×103/μL COL+ and 5.4±2.2×103/μL COL−, P =0.02). COL− calves had more anemia and lower serum iron concomitant with diarrhea on D7. The number of leukocytes was relatively consistent in the COL+ calves, while COL− calves showed an increasing number of of lymphocytes starting on D7.

Innate immune response in neonate Holstein heifer calves fed fresh or frozen colostrum

Abstract The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of maternal cells from colostrum on the development and function of the innate immune response in Holstein calves. Calves were divided into 2 groups: COL+ (n =10) received fresh colostrum; and COL− (n =10) which received frozen colostrum containing no viable cells. The calves were assessed before colostrum intake (D0), 48h of age (D2), and weekly from D7 up to D28. Blood samples were collected for analysis of the distribution of leukocytes, cellular phenotype and in vitro granulocyte function. COL+ calves tended to have a high number of neutrophils on D7 (p =0.073). COL− calves took up significantly more Escherichia coli (measured as MFI) on D7 (p =0.034). Endogenous production of radicals (as percentage of cells) tended to be higher in COL− calves on D14 (p =0.061). The intensity of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by granulocytes tended to be higher in COL+ calves on D21 (p =0.094). Overall, ROS production (percent of cells, and MFI) induced by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were higher in COL+ calves than COL− calves. It was our observation that COL+ calves developed an innate immune response more quickly and efficiently after natural exposure to pathogens after birth. In contrast, COL− calves mounted an innate response more slowly that yielded a persistent inflammatory response after natural exposure to these bacteria agents. This research provides evidence of an advantage to the calf of receiving fresh colostrum on the development and function of the innate immune system.