An Observational Study of the Microbiological Quality of Bovine Colostrum Fed to Calves on Three Dairy Farms

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202505.1169.v1
• Publication Date: 2025-05-16T03:11:12Z
• Authors: Flávio G. Silva; Marta Laranjo; Severiano R. Silva; Cristina Conceição; Joaquim L. Cerqueira
• Keywords: Bovine milk

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of colostrum on three dairy farms with different management hygiene practices and compare it current guidelines. On farm A, was fed raw, while B C heat-treated. A feeding equipment were cleaned manually, an automated cleaning system used. Samples collected from calf submitted for microbial culture: total plate (TPC), coliforms (TCC), E. coli, enterococci, staphylococci (STAP), lactic acid bacteria counts; in addition, pH, aW, Brix analysed. Colostrum defined as: good (GQ): TPC < 100,000, TCC 10,000, STAP 50,000 cfu/mL, ≥ 21%; or excellent (EQ): 20,000, 100, 5000 22%. Approximately 57 (GQ) 38% (EQ) samples met criteria. Lower counts found C. had lower TPC, TCC, coli than A. These results showed that a considerable proportion calves suboptimal quality, especially when less rigorous implemented.