THE IMPACT OF COW NUTRITION IN THE DRY PERIOD WITH RED AND FODDER BEETS ON COLOSTRUM QUALITY AND IMMUNE STATUS OF CALVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding red and fodder beets in the diet of cow, in the dry period, on colostrum quality and immune status of calves. Twelve Holstein Friesian cows were dried at 56 days before the expected date of calving and were randomized assigured to two groups (1 oud 2). Three diets were formulated: diet 1 with a mix (50:50) of red and fodder beets (10% of dry matter of diet) for group 1, diet 2, without beets, for group 2, both beginning at 56 days before parturition until 21 days before parturition and diet 3 beginning 21 days before parturition until 21 day post parturition for both group 1 as groups 2. Samples of colostrums were collected within 2 hours after parturition and 1ts % Brix, proteinand and fat content were measured. Blood samples of calves  were collected at three days of age, and % Brix was determined using a digital refractometer. The % Brix is well correlated with immunoglobulin G (Ig G) concentrations in colostrums and blood. Trataments had no significant effect on protein and fat content of colostrums. Ig G content was higher in colostrums from cows in group 1, than in group 2 (61,9 ± 4,8 g/l v. 54,32 ± 27,5) and in the blood serum of calves (11,69 ± 1,15 mg/ml v. 9,36 ± 3,53). Red and fodder beets can be a good feed sources for improvement of colostrums quality of cows or immune status of their calves