Evaluation of management, nutritional and microbiological quality of colostrum and of the human factor in the transfer of passive immunity in calves

Abstract

The phase creates and recreates animals generates high costs in the system of milk production, besides occupying a large area within the property. Therefore, reducing the duration of this period means the animal become productive faster and possibility of release areas for other activities. One reason for the low performance of the animals in this period is in the process of colostragem failure. Although colostrum be the main source of immunoglobulins and nutrients to the neonate, it may have low nutritional and microbiological quality. This fact predispose newborns to failure in the transfer of passive immunity, delaying animal performance. For these reasons, we characterized the management of breeding heifers, through a survey of the main husbandry used to evaluate the microbiological and nutritional composition of colostrum and the influence of the human factor in the failure of passive transfer of immunity in calves. The project will be developed in 40 properties, located in the state of Minas Gerais, the team Metabolism Laboratory Animal belonging to the Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", University of São Paulo (USP / ESALQ) , located in Piracicaba - SP. As independent variables, analyzes are made of nutritional and microbiological quality of colostrum and information self-reported attitudes and behavior of employees involved with the creation of the heifers. These will be obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire at the beginning of each interview will explain the research, its purpose, and also will be provided to guarantee confidentiality of information provided. As dependent variables are estimated serum concentrations of total protein with calves up to 24 hours after consumption of colostrum via a portable refractometer and values presented in CBCs, beyond the estimated weight gain during suckling. With the assessment of the nutritional composition and microbiological colostrum, is expected to identify the degree of risk associated with the failure of transfer of immunity, the calves are subjected. The survey of management practices throughout the period of lactation heifers, assist in the creation of a database with information from key points where failure can occur in the process. It is expected to measure the variation of transfer of passive immunity, which can be explained by the mindset of those responsible for creating calves, indicating which factors in attitude and behavior has a higher correlation with failures in the transfer of immunity. These data will assist researchers in directing projects, technical extension in their consulting work and staff training; besides stimulating industries sector, to develop tools to help dairy farmers. (AU)