Basic and mineral composition of colostrum from cows in different ages and calving period

The aim of our research was to analyse the composition and the basic content of selected minerals of colostrum depending on the season of calving and lactation of cows. The research material consisted of 180 colostrum samples collected in the first lactation (1st) and further lactation together (FLT) of cows which calved in the summer season (S) and winter season (W). The scope of the experimental research covered determinations performed on colostrum samples collected in 4 lactation phases: 1st (1h), 8th (8h) hour as well as at 3rd (3D) and 5th (5D) day after calving. Studies have shown that the dry matter, fat, protein as well as FFA and IgG content decreased after calving. The lactose level increased and the concentration of urea remained on a relatively constant level (no statistically significant difference). The age of cows was another differentiating factor of the dry matter, fat, protein, FFA, urea and IgG content. It did not affect the change in the lactose content. It has been shown that the content of mineral components changed over the course of the colostral period. The highest values of Ca, Mg and Zn occurred in the first hour after calving, after which their content decreased. The content of K and Na was shaped slightly differently, since it was not possible to establish upward or downward trends. Significant changes also occurred in the content of elements depending on the age of cows. Colostrum with the highest Ca content may be obtained from older cows. However, the highest K, Mg and Na content was recorded in the primiparous cows’ colostrum of collected in the first hours after calving. A significantly higher content of K, Mg, Na and Zn appeared in colostrum obtained in the first hour after calving of cows in the winter calving season in comparison to the summer season.