Topics:
Animal Refresher, Dairy Science
Duration for Milk to Lose Colostral Properties
Milk loses its colostral properties and becomes normal within how many hours after calving?
- 72 hours — Correct Answer
- 48 hours
- 24 hours
- 96 hours
Explanation:
Correct Answer: 72 hours
Milk loses its colostral properties and becomes normal within 72 hours (3–4 days) after calving. During this period, the composition gradually shifts from colostrum (high protein/immunoglobulin, low lactose) to normal whole milk.
Colostrum — Key Characteristics
- Fed to newborn calf @ 10% of its body weight per day (or 2–2.5 litres/day) for the first 3–4 days.
- Contains a trypsin inhibitor that protects immunoglobulins from digestion in the GIT of the calf.
- Provides passive immunity to the calf (placental transfer of antibodies does not occur in ruminants).
- Acts as a laxative, clearing meconium (first faeces of the newborn).
- Contains 5–15 times more Vitamin A than normal milk.
- Predominant immunoglobulin: IgG in bovine colostrum; IgA in human colostrum.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- 48 hours → too short; colostral properties persist for 72 hours (3–4 days).
- 24 hours → only 1 day; colostrum is fed and remains effective up to 3–4 days.
- 96 hours → slightly longer than the standard 72-hour reference.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Refresher
This multiple choice question is from Animal Refresher, Dairy Science. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Refresher to strengthen your preparation.
