New research* from the Universities of Minnesota, Guelph and Saskatchewan indicates calves fed lacteal-derived (colostrum-derived) colostrum replacer experienced significantly better rates of acceptable passive transfer (APT), and higher serum total protein (STP) and IgG measures, as compared to calves fed plasma-derived colostrum replacers. Apparent efficiency of absorption rates also were higher for the colostrum-derived replacer.

In this study, 74 heifer calves were removed from their dams within 30-60 minutes of birth, and before suckling.  The calves were randomly assigned to a colostrum-derived colostrum replacer (LAND O LAKES® Bovine lgG Colostrum), or a spray-dried plasma-derived colostrum product (Colostrx® 130 Colostrum Replacer).

*(Be sure to view the comments section below to learn a little more about the study from researcher Sandra Godden.)

Each calf was fed with an esophageal feeding tube within two hours of birth. Blood samples were collected from the calves at birth, and again 24 hours later. The serum was separated, frozen and submitted to the lab, where STP and IgG concentrations were measured.  At 24 hours three major findings were discovered:

1. Serum IgG concentrations were significantly higher in calves fed the colostrum-derived replacer versus those fed plasma-derived colostrum replacer.  
2. The portion of calves with APT was 94.4 percent in the group fed colostrum derived replacer, and only 36.8 percent in the group fed plasma-derived.  
3. The apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) of IgG for calves in the colostrum-derived group was greater versus the plasma-derived group.

“This new research further confirms what we believed to be true about the benefits of colostrum replacer produced from natural, bovine colostrum sources,” says Dr. Tom Earleywine, director of nutritional services for Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products Company.  “This research suggests better rates of passive transfer because greater AEA of IgG is delivered with our colostrum-derived replacer.”

—From Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products news release