What are the benefits of animal plasma?
The benefits of plasma in calf milk replacers can be observed in stressed (calves facing a greater pathogen load) and non-stressed calves. Benefits include increased gains, fewer scour days, less morbidity, and reduced mortality.
Specific bovine animal plasma benefits for calves
Although the specific interactions of plasma protein in calves are uncertain there are two apparent benefits.
- First, some of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the bovine animal plasma escapes gastric and intestinal degradation and remains in the digestive tract to help fight bugs such as salmonella, corona virus, and E. coli.
- Second, use of plasma protein in pig prestarter diets has indicated the animal plasma promotes intestinal growth resulting in improved digestion and overall animal growth (animal plasma protein has been used in baby pig diets for years to improve performance). Tests with calves indicate plasma protein is well utilized by the calf (similar to all milk protein). In addition to being an excellent quality protein that is highly digestible with excellent amino acid profile, bovine animal plasma also provides immunoglobulin and other beneficial (functional) factors.
Some typical research findings follow:
Morrill et al (1995) reported calves receiving plasma in a 20/20 all milk protein milk replacer:
- Gained 4.2 lb. more and ate 5 lb. more starter by 6 weeks age.
- Fecal scores did not differ.
- Mortality was similar.
A 2002 study (Quigley et al, 2002) with barn sale calves that had not received an adequate colostrial feeding.
- Gained 4.9 lb. more by 56 days on plasma.
- No mortality in plasma fed calves versus 3.3% mortality in calves not getting plasma.
- A 25% reduction in number of day calves had diarrhea.
Quigley et al (2003) reported barn sale calves (majority had not received adequate colostrum) a 20/20 milk replacer containing plasma protein had:
- 3.0 lb. more body weight gains by 42 days than calves not getting plasma.
- 7.5% mortality in plasma fed calves versus 25% mortality on calves not receiving plasma.
- A 30% reduction in number of day calves had diarrhea.
Seven studies involving 720 calves reported 4.6% less mortality in calves receiving bovine animal plasma in their milk replacer versus 11.1% mortality in calves not receiving plasma.
In an E. coli challenge trial (Quigley et al, 2000) calves receiving bovine animal plasma in their milk replacer experienced 0% mortality while calves not receiving plasma experienced 25% mortality.
KENT’s Precision Formula Premium calf milk replacers contain plasma. When fed as directed these premium milk replacers mix well and offer excellent nutritional and performance benefits.
