Application of Colostrum Enriched with Specific IgY for the Prevention of Diarrheal Infections in Newborn Calves

Colostrum is vital for newborn ruminants, which are born in a state of agammaglobulinemia. Immunoglobulin G (IgG), contained in colostrum, forms the basis of protection for newborns. Studies on dairy farms have revealed that the immunoglobulin concentration in the first milking of cows is often insufficient to protect offspring, especially in first-calf heifers, where IgG levels can be below 30 g/L.

Calf mortality from diarrheal infections is often due to a deficiency of these immunoglobulins in colostrum. The study aimed to evaluate a strategy of enriching colostrum with specific IgY. Hens were hyperimmunized with an associated vaccine against bovine rotavirus, coronavirus infections, and escherichiosis. Yolk melange was prepared from the obtained eggs for subsequent colostrum enrichment. Chromatographic analysis showed that one yolk contains up to 100 mg of polyclonal immunoglobulins, of which 8% were specific antibodies against the target pathogens.

Trials were conducted on a farm with a history of diarrheal diseases. Twenty-five calves in the experimental group received 100 ml of melange (equivalent to 5 yolks) with the first and second colostrum feeding. The control group (n=25) received native colostrum.

In the experimental group, cases of diarrhea were rare and mild, requiring no medication. In the control group, diarrhea was recorded in most calves. Testing of the methodology in other farms confirmed its high preventive efficacy.

Thus, enriching colostrum with specific IgY is an effective strategy for preventing diarrheal infections in calves.