Effect of immunity on growth, disease incidence and livability in calves after colostrum consuming

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of immunity on growth performance, disease incidence and survival rate of calves after colostrum consuming. The study was carried out at Bala State Farm in Ankara. Total 90 Holstein calves (46 male and 44 female) have been used in this research. Calves have been divided three groups according to IgG level; failure of passive transfer (<= 800 mg/dl), partial failure of passive transfer (801 - 1600 mg/dl) and adequate passive transfer (>= 1601 mg/dl). IgG levels have been determined, 425.08 +/- 43.55, 1217.86 +/- 64.76 and 3474.35 +/- 177.26 mg/dl, respectively. In calves, weaning weight was detected 73.87 +/- 1.38 in male and 67.66 +/- 1.38 kg in female, 66.79 +/- 2.64, 71.74 +/- 2.43 and 71.67 +/- 1.27 kg in groups. I., II. and III. groups incidence of disease was determined until weaning age (75. days); 20.00, 14.29, 10.00% in male, 12.50, 0.00, 8.33% in female, respectively. In this study, groups at weaning age (75. days) livability rates were determined; 80.00, 85.71, 96.67% in male, 87.50, 100.00, 91.67% in female, respectively. Colostrum management have been determined as fine in this farm because of 16% all of calves have been in I. group. Incidence of disease at weaning has been found Ill. group (11.11%) and II. group (7.14%) higher than I. group (15.38%). Also livability II. and III. group rather well I. group, too. Normal passive transfer group have been found higher than other groups in different periods for live weight and body measurements. This situation has been showed that colostrum is very important in healthy calves breeding. As a result of immunity level have been detected as fine in Bala State Farm and this manner effected growth, disease incidence and livability.