Colostrum management in calves: effects of drenching vs. bottle feeding

The objective was to examine whether the administration of colostrum by a drencher is a safe method to achieve satisfying immunoglobulin concentrations in newborn Holstein Friesian (HF)-calves. Twenty-one calves were fed 1 h postnatum with 2 l colostrum from their dam using a nipple bottle (group I); 15 calves were drenched with 4 l colostrum from their dam 1 h postnatum (group II). Thereafter, all calves were fed milk replacer exclusively. Serum concentration of total immunoglobulin [analysed by Sandwich-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)] 24 h postnatum was higher in drenched calves (25.2 g/l; 12.8/52.2; median and 10/90 percentiles) compared with bottle-fed calves (14.1 g/l; 9.2/24.7). To characterize the kinetics of immunoglobulin absorption, 17 blood samples were taken frequently within 72 h postnatum using a jugular catheter in five calves fed 2 l colostrum by nipple bottle and five calves drenched with 4 l colostrum 1 h postnatum. A slightly delayed increase of serum immunoglobulin concentration (approximately 3 h) was obvious in drenched calves compared with bottle-fed calves, but drenched calves reached significantly higher immunoglobulin concentrations compared with bottle-fed calves. It is concluded that the proper application of colostrum by a drencher is a useful method for adequate colostral supply in newborn calves. The failure of the oesophageal groove reflex in drenched calves caused no clinical consequences.