Delaying colostrum intake by one day has important effects on metabolic traits and on gastrointestinal and metabolic hormones in neonatal calves.

Effects on metabolic and endocrine traits of feeding colostrum on d 1 and 2, then mature milk up to d 7, or glucose or water on d 1, colostrum on d 2 and 3 and then mature milk up to d 7 were studied in calves. Calves fed colostrum within the first 24 h after birth had significantly higher rectal temperatures, heart rates and respiratory frequencies than calves provided only water or glucose. Significantly elevated plasma nonesterified fatty acid and bilirubin concentrations on d 1 and 2 of life in calves fed only water on d 1 compared with calves of the other groups mirrored reduced energy intake. Fecal consistency was significantly higher during wk 1 of life, and gastrin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide increased only on d 1 and/or 2 of life in calves already fed colostrum on d 1, expressing improved functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Significantly higher plasma globulin levels up to d 7 in calves fed colostrum on d 1 than in those starting colostrum intake only on d 2 demonstrated significantly enhanced efficiency of gamma-globulin absorption. Furthermore, significantly higher circulating glucose, albumin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations and significantly lower urea levels in calves fed colostrum on d 1 compared with those fed colostrum starting on d 2 of life indicated stimulation of anabolic processes. In conclusion, colostrum intake by calves within the first 24 h of life is needed not only for an adequate immune status, but also to produce the additional important and favorable effects on metabolic and endocrine traits and on vitality.