Infwence of colostrum intake on endocrine and metabolic profile of bovine neonates -A review

Bovine colostrum contains various essential nutrients, antibodies, hormones and growth factors that are important for nutrient supply, host defense, growth and general neonatal adaptation. Colostrum contains more protein, immunoglobulins, nonprotein nitrogen, fat, ash, vitamins, and minerals than milk. Because some vitamins do not cross the placental barrier, colostrum is the primary source of these nutrients for the calf after birth. Various metabolic and endocrine traits are influenced by colostrum intake, quality and the duration of colostrum feeding. Many blood constituents rapidly changing in neonate due to colostrum intake, which could be interpreted as abnormal. So extreme caution must be exercised when interpreting typical clinical chemistry components from young calves. This review focuses on the endocrine and metabolic changes in the neonates that influenced by colostrum intake.