Colostral and Calf Serum Immunoglobulin G Levels of Jersey and Crossbred Cattle and Their Effect on the Health and Survival of Neonatal Calves
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Date
2006
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Research Article
Abstract
Colostral and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG, a major immunoglobulin class present in bovine colostrums and neonatal serum) levels were estimated in postpartum cows (Jersey and crossbred) and new born calves, respectively, at first milking and 24-48 hours postpartum, using single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay. Mean IgG concentrations (mg/ml) at first milking were 62.8±28.06 and 76.44±51.1 for Jersey and crossbreeds, respectively. Mean serum IgG levels recorded in one day old calves were 10.6±9.5 and 10.7±8.9 respectively in Jersey and its crosses. Very high proportion of calves (>70%) were found to possess inadequate levels of serum IgG (less than 16 mg/ml). Comparatively, higher morbidity (56%) was observed in the calves (during 3-4 weeks of age), which could be attributed to the failure or partial failure of IgG transfer, than those calves which had a normal IgG transfer (25% morbidity observed in this group). The study just re-establishes the fact that the failure of passive transfer of immunity in calves through maternal colostrums is correlated to the increase in neonatal morbidity and mortality.
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Keywords
Colostrum, IgG, SRID, FPTA, Neonatal Morbidity, Jersey, Crossbreds