Failure of passive transfer in neonatal calves in dairy farms in Ankara region

This study, as a model for the farms in Turkey implementing professional herd management protocols, was conducted to examine a variety of factors in relation to the prevalence of failure of passive transfer (FPT) and the passive transfer (PT) in dairy farms in Ankara. A total of 400 calves and 363 cows from 9 different farms practicing professional herd management systems and employ full-time veterinarians were included in the study. Following the birth of the calf, colostrum was taken from cows, blood samples were taken from calves at 24-48 h of age and analysed for IgG using ELISA. FPT was determined in 69 (17.25%) of 400 calves examined and 44 (12.12%) of 363 cows produced insufficient quality colostrum (IgG concentration. 50 mg/mL). The average blood IgG concentration of calves was 14.16 mg/mL, and the average colostrum IgG concentration was 90.41 mg/mL. When various data related to FPT are evaluated, the risk of FPT increases 15.4 times in calves fed with insufficient quality colostrum, and the risk of overcoming diseases in calves with FPT increases 1.6 times until weaning. In conclusion, the FPT rate was around 20% in dairy farms in Ankara, where advanced herd management techniques were practiced and still pose a serious risk.