The effects of calving season and parity on colostrum quality of Holstein cows

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of calving season (winter and spring) and parity (first and second parity) on colostrum quality. Colostrum of 42 Holstein cows raised at a private dairy farm was used in this experiment. Calving season and parity had no effects on major components of colostrum. However, somatic cell count (SCC) and the brightness of the colostrum (L*) values were affected by calving season (P<0.05). The mean of winter colostrum SCC was lower than the spring season (P<0.05). The brightness of the colostrum was found to be higher in winter season than in spring season (P<0.01). Colostrometer has been used to evaluate colostrum quality and Brix refractometer and colorimeter can also be used to assess colostrum quality.