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Associations between prepartum dam metabolism, colostrum, and heifer calf development
Yapin Wang1, Aart Lammers1, Joop Arts1
1Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WD Wageningen, the Netherlands.
Journal of Dairy Science
|November 22, 2025
Summary
Maternal prepartum diet and energy balance influence dairy calf immunity through colostrum composition. Higher dam energy balance and dry matter intake correlate with increased natural antibody levels in colostrum and offspring plasma, promoting long-term immunity.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Colostrum quality is crucial for offspring health and immunity.
- Maternal prepartum condition impacts colostrum composition and transfer of immunity.
- Understanding these relationships can optimize calf development and long-term health.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate links between dam prepartum status, colostrum, and offspring growth/metabolism.
- Examine colostrum's influence on offspring from birth through lactation.
- Correlate dam colostrum traits with those of their offspring post-calving.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed prepartum variables (BW, BCS, DMI, EB) and blood metabolites in 62 Holstein-Friesian dams.
- Measured colostrum yield, Brix, protein, growth factors, and antibodies post-calving.
- Monitored offspring (n=62) body weight and blood metabolites across three developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Higher prepartum body condition score (BCS) linked to lower lactoferrin.
- Greater energy balance (EB) correlated with higher IgM, influencing offspring plasma IgG and IgM.
- Increased IGF-І and TGF-β2 in colostrum related to offspring's nonesterified fatty acids and milk lactose.
- Dam colostrum yield predicted offspring colostrum yield.
Conclusions:
- Dairy dam dry matter intake (DMI) and EB positively affect colostrum's natural antibody levels.
- Colostrum's antibody levels directly correlate with offspring plasma antibody levels from birth through lactation.
- Prepartum maternal nutrition and metabolic status significantly shape offspring's lifelong immunity via colostrum.
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