The influence of colostrum-derived maternal cells on neonatal lamb immune responses to routine management practices

Colostrum is essential for newborn ruminants because it delivers vital nutrients, boosts immune function, and promotes growth. Studies suggest that maternal cells found in colostrum enhance the immune development of newborns, resulting in lasting health benefits. This study examines the impact of maternal colostral cells on lamb growth and husbandry-related mucosal health challenges. Initial assessments of ovine colostrum samples (n = 9) identified an effective method for removing maternal cells from colostrum. This method was utilized in an ewe-twin lamb model across two lambing seasons during which 78 lambs were involved. Twin lambs were randomly assigned to receive either cell-rich (CRC) or cell-free (CFC) colostrum within 12 h of birth. Lamb body weight gain, intestinal shedding of coccidia and strongyloids, peri-scrotal inflammation, and wound healing post-castration dynamics were monitored over the first two months of life. CRC lambs showed a consistent but statistically insignificant increase in body weight over time compared to CFC lambs. The parasitic burden varied by season and the coccidia oocyst counts were significantly lower (p = 0.04) in the CRC than in CFC-fed lambs. Additionally, CRC lambs had better post-castration healing scores at days 7 (p = 0.001), 35 (p = 0.005), and 42 (p = 0.04), and lower swelling scores at days 7 (p = 0.002) and 35 (p = 0.04). Overall, CRC-fed lambs demonstrated reduced intestinal parasitic shedding and improved peri-scrotal healing post-castration. Although the basis of these cellular mechanisms is still unknown, the results highlight practical health benefits of colostral cells and implications for colostrum management in livestock systems that preserve these cells viable.