Diet Aloe supplementation in pregnant buffalo cows improves colostrum immunoglobulin content.

Colostrum ingestion in ruminants is the one way to get maternal antibodies. Calves start suckling soon after birth, and the absorption of immunoglobulin (Ig) lasts up to 24 hours. Many diseases of neonatal calves are related to a poor colostrum quality, which is determined by the content of IgG. The polysaccharide fractions of Aloe has been reported as potent B cell stimulators either in vitro or in vivo studies. Aim of the present research was to evaluate the influence of Aloe arborescence fed to pregnant dry buffalo cows on IgG concentration of colostrum. Twenty-four pluriparae buffalo cows were divided into two homogeneous groups during the last two months of pregnancy. Group A received a supplementation of 50g/day/head of a commercial product containing Aloe arborescence, while group B was the control. Within one hour from calving, samples of colostrum were collected from each subject and underwent IgG assay. A significant (P<0.05) increase of colostrum IgG concentration was detected in colostrum from dams supplemented with Aloe. Results showed that Aloe supplementation can increase the immunological properties of colostrum thus resulting in improving passive transfer in newborn calves.