| dc.description.abstract | In a laboratory experiment, colostrum was preserved by five different methods
viz: treatment with formaldehyde at levels of 0.1% (Ft) and 0.05% (F2)j
acidification with formic acid at levels of 0.5% (FAt) and 0.1% (FA2)j and an
untreated control (naturally fermented (NF). The colostrum batches were stored
at ambient temperatures averaging 27-28°C. Weekly aliquots were analyzed for
total solids, total protein, nonprotein nitrogen, lactose, pH and titratable
acidity.
There was no significant change (p>O.t) in total crude protein and total solids
content for all the treatments. Acidification as measured by pH and %tit ratable
acidity was most rapid in the NF colostrum. pH was relatively stable after the
initial decrease due to addition of acid for the FAl and FA2 colostrum. Lactose
reduction was most pronounced in the NF colostrum whereas the FAI had the
highest residual lactose content.
In a subsequent feeding experiment 11,preserved colostrum was used to feed
Sahiwal calves individually in treatment groups comprising of seven calves
each from 6 days to 30 days of age. Their performance was compared to that
of a control group fed on whole milk.
Body weight gains for the first 4 weeks were comparable for all the treatment
groups. From 0-12 weeks of age the control group and the FAt group of
calves had significantly higher daily gains (P<0.05) than the other groups.
The Fl group of calves were affected negatively by the dietary treatment
resulting in the death of 3 calves. Calf deaths in this treatment (Ft) were
thought to be associated with formalin poisoning. Scouring was a major
problem and contributed to the low growth rate especially for the F2 group
of calves. The FA!, FA2 and NF colostrum resulted in lower cost per kg weight
gain (Ksh 145.05, 160.10 and 207.70 respectively) than whole milk (Ksh 286.70). | en |
