Failure of passive transfer (FPT) in calves refers to the inadequate transfer of antibodies from the dam to the calf through the colostrum. When a calf does not receive an adequate amount of high-quality colostrum or fails to absorb enough immunoglobulins, it results in FPT. This condition occurs when the calf’s blood serum contains lower levels of immunoglobulins than the optimal range, leaving the calf susceptible to various diseases and infections.
A sufficient supply of immunoglobulin is achieved when the blood contains more than 10mg IgG/ml. This can be determined by a veterinary blood test in the first few days of life and is an important component of health monitoring in calves. German field trial showed an improved passive transfer during the past years.
Sources: E.K. McMorran, 2006 ; K. Stemme et al., 2016 ; K. Stemme et al., 2022
Factors contributing to FPT in calves
- Inadequate Colostrum Intake: If a calf does not consume enough colostrum within the critical time frame after birth, it can lead to FPT. Delayed or insufficient colostrum intake reduces the chances of absorbing a sufficient number of antibodies in the intestine.
- Poor Quality Colostrum: Colostrum quality is crucial for FPT prevention. If the colostrum is of low quality, with low levels of antibodies or high bacterial contamination, the calf may not receive enough protective antibodies.
- Dam Health and Nutrition: The health and nutritional status of the dam directly affect the quality and quantity of antibodies in her colostrum. Dams that are malnourished, stressed, or suffer from certain diseases may produce lower-quality colostrum, leading to FPT in their calves.
- Delayed Colostrum Collection: Timely collection and feeding of colostrum are crucial for FPT prevention. If colostrum is collected too late or not stored properly, it may lose its quality and fail to provide adequate immunity to the calf.
Consequences of Failure of Passive Transfer
Calves that experience FPT are at an increased risk of developing health issues and have higher mortality rates. They have reduced immunity and are more susceptible to various diseases, such as respiratory infections, diarrhea, and septicemia. FPT can also impact the calf’s growth, leading to slower weight gain and poor overall development. These calves often require more veterinary interventions, leading to increased treatment costs and reduced profitability for farmers.
Figure 2: Failure of Passive Transfer has high costs.
Sources: 1 Robison et. al (1988), 2 DeNise et. al (1989), 3 Wittum + Perino (1995), 4 Raboisson et. al (2016), 5 Stilwell and Carvalho (2011)
Prevention and Management
To prevent FPT in calves, it is essential to implement proper colostrum management practices. This includes:
- Timely Feeding
- Adequate Quantity
- Colostrum Quality
- Hygiene
- Storage
More details about optimal colostrum management here: link to other article Optimized Colostrum Management for Dairy Calves.
If the quality assessment reveals that the colostrum does not meet the required standards, steps must be taken to give the calf the best possible start. This includes using supplements that enhance colostrum. Immunoglobulins play a key role in these products. Through IgY technology, a wide variety of immunoglobulins can be produced to target pathogens like E. coli, rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, and Cryptosporidium spp. IgY is safe, natural, and can be produced economically on a large scale. The benefits of IgY technology include ease of use on farms and versatility in application.
Ymmuno Colostrum combines both bovine colostrum (IgG) and egg powder (IgY), complemented by probiotics and medium-chain fatty acids to promote gut health. Its easy handling and effective results make it a highly recommended supplement or even a reliable emergency substitute for maternal colostrum.
Conclusion
Proper colostrum management and vigilant monitoring of calf health are crucial for preventing failure of passive transfer and ensuring the long-term health and productivity of dairy calves.
