The Microbial Composition of Bovine Colostrum as Influenced by Antibiotic Treatment.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: Bovine colostrum, the initial milk produced by cows postpartum, contains an array of key nutritional, immune, and microbial components that support the calf's physiological development, immune maturation, and intestinal colonization. The composition and quality of colostrum can be influenced by multiple factors, including seasonal variation, breed, parity, and farm management practices. This study investigated the microbial profile of Irish bovine colostrum and the influence of antibiotic therapy and parity. Methods: Bovine colostrum samples were collected from five Irish dairy farms that implemented different methods of dry cow therapy (DCT): natural or blanket. For blanket DCT, four of the five farms administered intramammary antibiotics at the start

SUBMITTER: Conboy-Stephenson R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729519 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature