PSII-A-10 Impact of Altered Photoperiod on Colostral IgA and Lactoferrin in Dairy Cattle

Abstract Intake of poor-quality colostrum reduces thriftiness and survival dairy calves cost producers in 2017 $70 per head for each calf receiving poor quality colostrum. Studies suggest levels lactoferrin IgA within good are 1.5 - 5 mg/ml 5.36 respectively. Today, recommended to expose cows short-day photoperiod (SDPP) during the dry period as this has been shown increase milk production next lactation. However, impact SDPP on is unknown. The objective study was determine effect day length entire quality. We measured from both Jersey Holstein (n=33) exposed 8 hours light (n=9 Holstein, n=8 Jersey) or 16 long-day (LDPP) (n=8 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (Bethyl Laboratories). Colostrum samples were collected cows, skimmed frozen at -20oC until assayed. Data analyzed with SAS 9.4. found that did not differ between breed treatment (P = 0.57, P 0.46, respectively). average animals 1.41 mg/mL 1.55 LDPP. 5.08 3.88 Based these data we exposure does colostral levels.