Evaluation of Colostrum Quality and Passive Transfer Immunity in Terms of Heat Stress and Disease Incidence in Central Anatolia

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The effects of heat stress on colostrum quality, passive transfer failure, and disease incidence were investigated in a large population in order to prevent calf morality and yield losses in Holstein cows and calves. There was a statistically significant correlation between colostrum quality and the daily temperature humidity index, 7-day average temperature stress, and average temperature humidity indexes experienced by the cows during the dry period (P<0.001). It was observed that passive transfer failure occurred in 21% of the calves. There was a significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between the relative humidity and the temperature and humidity index values of the day of birth and the calf serum brix value. A negative and significant correlation was observed between Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and serum brix value (r = -10, P<0.01). It was observed that the passive transfer success and diarrhea and pneumonia that were overcome in the first 365-day period showed a negative correlation (P<0.01). As a result, it has been observed that the heat stress experienced by cows and calves affects colostrum quality and passive transfer success, which also affects development and protection from diseases.