Effect of serum total protein concentration on early-life health and growth of dairy calves

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of serum total protein (STP) concentration on the early-life health and growth of dairy calves. ANIMALS 39,619 neonatal Holstein, Jersey, and crossbred calves from 15 dairy operations. PROCEDURES Calves arrived at a single calf-raising facility at approximately 2 days old. Each calf was weighed at facility arrival, and a blood sample was obtained the next day for determination of STP concentration by refractometry. All calves were managed in a standard manner, and health events were recorded for 120 days. A subset of 3,214 calves was weighed at 120 days old, and the average daily gain (ADG) was calculated. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effect of STP concentration on specific health events. RESULTS STP concentration was associated with the incidences of death, diarrhea, pneumonia, and whether a calf received IV fluid therapy. In general, the incidence of adverse health events decreased as STP concentration increased to 6.0 g/dL, plateaued at STP concentrations between 6.0 and 8.5 g/dL, and increased at STP concentrations > 8.5 g/dL. Although STP concentration was not associated with ADG, the ADG for Holsteins increased as STP concentration increased to 8.5 g/dL and then decreased at STP concentrations > 8.5 g/dL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that, for neonatal dairy calves, an STP concentration between 6.0 and 8.5 g/dL was optimal for health and growth, and calves with an STP concentration < 5.0 or > 8.5 g/dL should be considered at high risk for adverse health events.