Association of passive immunity and genetic composition, health, and performance of tropical dairy calves

This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify risk factors for the failure of transfer of passive immunity (FPI) in preweaned dairy calves, explore its associations with morbidity, mortality, genetics, and determine a standardized cut-off point for FPI. Analyzing data from 6011 calves, factors s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Research in veterinary science 2024-05, Vol.171, p.105225-105225, Article 105225
Main Authors: Moreira, M.B., Ferreira, F.C., Campolina, J.P., Coelho, S.G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Bovine respiratory disease
Cattle
Cattle Diseases - epidemiology
Cattle Diseases - genetics
Cattle tick fever
Female
Humans
Milk
Morbidity
Mortality
Neonatal calf diarrhea
Noncommunicable Diseases - veterinary
Passive immunity
Pregnancy
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
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Summary:This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify risk factors for the failure of transfer of passive immunity (FPI) in preweaned dairy calves, explore its associations with morbidity, mortality, genetics, and determine a standardized cut-off point for FPI. Analyzing data from 6011 calves, factors such as sire predicted transmitted ability for milk (PTA), birth season, retained placenta (RP), total serum protein concentration (TSP), morbidity (neonatal calf diarrhea - NCD, bovine respiratory disease - BRD, tick-borne disease - TBD), mortality, and average daily weight gain (ADG) were considered. The calves were categorized into predominantly Gyr (PG) and predominantly Holstein (PH) genetic composition groups. Multivariate mixed logistic regression revealed optimal TSP cut-off points for predicting morbidity (7.6 g/dL) and mortality (6.9 g/dL). PH calves exhibited 1.35 times higher odds of FPI and 1.48 times greater odds of disease. Calves from multiparous cows and those born to dams with RP had increased FPI odds. Disease prevalence was 53%, with 41% NCD, 18% BRD, and 10% TBD. Season, parity, PTA, and birth weight were associated with disease odds, though FPI was not a reliable predictor. The mortality percentage was 6%, with PH calves and those with a positive PTA having higher odds. The ADG was 0.64 kg, and FPI-affected calves gained less weight. The study compared and identified various risk factors that potentially impact calf immunity. However, the use of a standardized cut-off point for FPI assessment was not effective in predicting morbidity and mortality at this specific farm. •The TSP of 6.9 and 7.6 g/L were the best to predict mortality and morbidity of dairy calves raised in tropical conditions.•Calves born in winter, from multiparous cows or predominantly Holstein exhibited higher odds of having FTPI.•Calves sired by bulls with positive PTA for milk presented higher odds of dying and gained less weight.
ISSN:0034-5288
1532-2661
DOI:10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105225