Absorption of bovine colostral immunoglobulins G and M in newborn foals

The uptake of colostral IgG and IgM, their serum half-lives, and the rates of endogenous synthesis of IgG and IgM were evaluated in 6 newborn foals fed bovine colostrum (principals) and 6 foals allowed to suckle their dams (controls). The principal foals were fed 400 ml of bovine colostrum (IgG, 10,000 mg/dl and IgM, 200 mg/dl) at 2-hour intervals, from 2 to 20 hours after foaling (total dose, 4 L). Serum IgG and IgM concentrations were determined by single radial immunodiffusion from birth to 98 days of age. At foaling, principal foals had no detectable serum equine IgG, but 1 control foal had serum equine IgG of 185 mg/dl. After ingestion of colostrum, there was no significant difference in the maximal serum bovine IgG concentration (range, 1,350 to 3,300 mg/dl) in the principal foals, and maximal serum equine IgG concentration in the control foals (range, 500 to 6,000 mg/dl). The calculated biological bovine and equine IgG half-life in the principal and control groups was 9.4 and 26 days, respectively. Endogenous IgG synthesis was first detected in 1 principal foal at 3 days of age, but was detected first between 28 and 42 days in the other principal foals. Starting on day 56 there was no significant difference in serum equine IgG concentration between groups. At foaling, foals in both groups had low equine IgM concentrations. In the control foals, there was marked individual variation in the increases in equine IgM concentration (range, 5 to 73 mg/dl) after ingestion of colostrum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Colostral and serum IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations in Standardbred mares and their foals at parturition

Immunoglobulin G, IgM, and IgA concentrations were measured in serum collected from 36 Standardbred mares within 12 hours of foaling, in colostrum collected within 6 hours of foaling, and in serum collected from foals 24 to 48 hours after birth. In serum collected from mares after parturition, mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 2,463.9 +/- 1,337.3 mg/dl, 136.4 +/- 218 mg/dl, and 305.2 +/- 237.5 mg/dl, respectively. In serum from foals, mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 1,953.3 +/- 1,635 mg/dl, 33.8 +/- 30.4 mg/dl, and 58.4 +/- 42.2 mg/dl, respectively. In colostrum, mean concentrations of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 8,911.9 +/- 6,282.2 mg/dl, 957 +/- 1088.1 mg/dl, and 122.9 +/- 77.3 mg/dl, respectively. The IgG concentrations in foal serum were poorly correlated with IgG concentrations in colostrum (r = 0.462, P less than 0.01). Correlations of IgM or IgA concentrations in serum from foals with IgM or IgA concentrations in colostrum and correlations of IgG concentrations in serum from mares with those in colostrum were not significant (P less than 0.01). Of 36 foals, 1 (2.8%) had a serum IgG concentration less than 400 mg/dl. Of 36 foals monitored for 4 months, 6 developed infectious respiratory tract disease requiring antimicrobial therapy at ages varying from 55 to 113 days; these infections were probably not related to failure or partial failure of passive transfer of antibody.     

A study of bovine and equine immunoglobulin levels in pony foals fed bovine colostrum

As part of a project to raise specific pathogen free (SPF) Welsh Mountain Pony foals, free from exposure to Equid herpesvirus type 1, foals were removed from their dams at birth and fed bovine colostrum. This study characterises the uptake of bovine colostral immunoglobulin and production of endogenous immunoglobulin, in 10 SPF foals. An enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay was developed to measure serum concentrations of bovine IgG1 (boIgG1) to assess the efficiency of transfer, and rate of elimination of boIgG1 by the foal. The endogenous production of equine IgG was studied using a single radial immunodiffusion test. Foals were given 1.2 to 2 litres of bovine colostrum achieving peak serum boIgG1 concentrations of 18.9 to 34.2 g/litre (mean 28.0). The mean half-life of boIgG1 in the foals was 7.4 days. Endogenous immunoglobulin production resulted in equine IgG concentrations greater than 2 g/litre in six of 10 foals by 14 to 19 days of age, and greater than 7 g/litre in eight of 10 foals by 37 to 50 days of age. All foals had equine IgG serum concentrations greater than 10 g/litre by 102 to 135 days of age.     

Passive transfer failure in horses: incidence and causative factors on a breeding farm

A prospective study was performed to determine the incidence and associated maternal and managemental factors of failure of passive transfer (FPT) in foals on a breeding farm. The zinc sulfate turbidity test (ZSTT) and latex agglutination test (LAT) were compared for accuracy in estimating serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G of foals, as determined by single radial immunodiffusion (SRID). Complete past and present foaling histories of 136 Standardbred mares were obtained. All foalings were witnessed by farm attendants, and colostral samples were collected from mares within 2 hours after parturition. Foals that did not rise and nurse were supplemented with colostrum from the dam, using a bottle or nasogastric tube. Serum samples were prepared from foals and mares between 24 and 36 hours after parturition, and from some mares 45 to 90 days before parturition. Serum IgG concentrations of mares and foals and colostral whey were determined, using SRID. Serum IgG also was estimated in foals, using ZSTT and a commercially available LAT. Four of the 136 foals (2.9%) had FPT (serum IgG less than or equal to 400 mg/dl). Serum IgG concentrations in foals significantly correlated with colostral IgG (P less than 0.001). A significantly larger proportion of foals with FPT were bottle-fed their colostrum (P less than 0.01). Month of parturition, mare age, parity, number of barren seasons, incidence of assisted births or retained placenta, or prepartum serum IgG concentrations did not significantly affect colostral IgG concentrations or serum IgG concentrations in foals. As serum IgG concentrations in foals decreased and as colostral IgG concentrations decreased, the proportion of mares that prelactated significantly (P less than 0.01) increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Investigation of the gamma-check-c test as a means of evaluating IgG levels in equine colostrum

One hundred and seventy-eight colostrum samples from 90 mares were evaluated for adequate IgG content (≥ 3800 mg/dl) using the GAMMA-CHECK-C test. A positive test is based on the ability of glutaraldehyde to react with gammaglobulin to form a solid clot. When the GAMMA-CHECK-C test was compared to colostral IgG values of ≥ or < 3800 mg/dl obtained by radial immunodiffusion and to a colostral specific gravity of ≥ or < 1.060 as measured by a colostrometer, the positive predictive value was 100% and 98.2% and the negative predictive value 88.9% and 95.7%, respectively. In this population of mares 11/80 had pre-suckle colostral IgG levels of < 3800 mg/dl. Three foals suckling colostrum positive to the GAMMA-CHECK-C test (IgG ≥ 3800 mg/dl) showed high levels of IgG as early as 3 hr post-suckle (740, 810 and 1400 mg/dl). One foal suckling colostrum negative to the GAMMA-CHECK-C test, who received no supplemental colostrum, had an IgG < 400 mg/dl at 24 hr of age. GAMMA-CHECK-C is a quick, easy and economical field test for the semi-quantitative determination of colostral IgG.     

Serum lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G concentrations in healthy or ill neonatal foals and healthy adult horses

BACKGROUND: Lactoferrin is a colostral glycoprotein with antimicrobial properties. HYPOTHESES: (1) Serum lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations are correlated and increase in healthy foals after ingestion of colostrum; (2) compared to healthy foals, ill foals will have lower lactoferrin concentrations that correlate with their IgG concentration, neutrophil count, the diagnosis of sepsis, and survival; and (3) plasma concentrations of lactoferrin will be less than serum concentrations. ANIMALS: Healthy foals (n = 16), mature horses (n = 10), and ill foals 1-4 days old (n = 111) that were examined for suspected sepsis were used for blood collection. Colostrum was obtained from 10 healthy mares unrelated to the foals. METHODS: Blood was obtained from the healthy foals at birth and 1-3 days of age and from the ill foals at admission. Serum IgG was quantified by single radial immunodiffusion (SRID). Lactoferrin concentrations in colostrum and blood were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. The sepsis score, blood culture results, neutrophil counts, and survival were obtained on ill foals. RESULTS: The mean colostral lactoferrin concentration was 21.7 microg/mL. Compared to values at birth, serum IgG (18+/-2 versus 2,921+/-245 mg/dL, SEM) and lactoferrin (249+/-39 versus 445+/-63 ng/mL, SEM) concentrations were significantly greater in healthy foals 1-3 days old. Serum lactoferrin concentration in 1-3-day-old healthy foals was not different from mature horses or ill foals. IgG and lactoferrin concentrations were significantly correlated only in healthy foals. Serum lactoferrin concentrations were significantly lower in ill neutropenic foals. The serum IgG concentration was significantly lower in ill foals as compared to healthy foals. Only serum IgG was significantly less in ill foals with a positive sepsis score and in nonsurvivors, Plasma lactoferrin concentrations were lower than serum concentrations, although values were significantly correlated. CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Although both serum IgG and lactoferrin concentrations increase in healthy foals after ingestion of colostrum, only serum IgG is significantly correlated with the sepsis score and outcome.     

Oral and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in neonatal foals

Newborn foals, deprived of colostrum and its rich supply of immunoglobulin G (IgG), were supplemented both orally and intravenously with purified equine immunoglobulin G (Lyphomune^®). Data were obtained from 18 foals given oral administration of IgG at Colorado State University and 26 foals given IgG intravenously at the Jockey Club de Sao Paulo in Brazil.Oral administration of 10-gm doses of Lyphomune^® in 18 colostrum-deprived Arabian foals, at various intervals within the first 24 hours after birth, resulted in increased serum concentrations of IgG. Administration of one 10-gm dose of Lyphomune^® immediately following birth provided a mean serum IgG level of 125 mg/dl after two hours. The recommended dosage of two 10-gm doses per 15 kg of body weight produced mean IgG serum concentrations of approximately 400 mg/dl by 14 hours. It was determined that an early bolus of IgG was most effective, although administration at any period during the first 24 hours would increase IgG levels significantly and in direct relationship to grams of Lyphomune^® administered.After the 24-hour study period, colostrum from each respective mare was provided by bottle feeding (200 ml) to 10 of the foals that were then allowed to nurse their dams normally. Significant increases in circulating IgG were observed in nine of these ten animals at four and eight hours after colostrum administration. No interfering effect was noted when colostrum and Lyphomune^® were given to the same foal.Intravenous administration of 10-gm doses of Lyphomune^® in Thoroughbred foals, immediately after birth, resulted in serum concentrations of IgG of 200–300 mg/dl six hours later. A second intravenous dose, at six hours after the initial dose, resulted in an additional average increase of 184 mg/dl. Four of six foals administered 10 gm of Lyphomune^® for each 15 kg of body weight reached serum concentrations greater than 400 mg/dl. It was demonstrated that Lyphomune^® was able to increase circulating levels of IgG, by either oral or intravenous administration, to levels considered protective in the newborn foal.     

Factors that influence passive transfer of immunoglobulins in foals.

Effects of farm management, breed, mare age, gestation duration, and climatologic factors on colostral specific gravity, colostral IgG concentration, and foal serum IgG concentration were evaluated. Climatologic variables measured were daily maximal, minimal, and mean air temperature, precipitation, average relative humidity, and total solar radiation. Presuckle, postpartum colostrum samples were collected from 140 Standardbred, 94 Thoroughbred, and 59 Arabian mares from January through June during 1985 and 1986. Thoroughbred (farm A, n = 61; farm B, n = 33) and Arabian (farm C, n = 45; farm D, n = 14) mares were located in Ocala, Fla; Standardbred mares (farm E) were in Montgomery, NY. Mares from farms A, B, D, and E foaled in box stalls, and mares from farm C foaled in sand paddocks. Mares with premature lactation greater than 12 hours were not included in the study. Foals were clinically normal at birth and suckled colostrum without assistance within 2 hours of parturition. Specific gravity of presuckle colostrum samples was measured by use of an equine colostrometer. Blood samples were collected 18 hours after parturition from 253 of the 293 foals (n = 45, 25, 32, 13, 138 on farms A through E, respectively) to determine serum concentration of IgG. The IgG concentrations in colostrum and serum were measured by single radial immunodiffusion. Data were analyzed by multiple regression or chi 2 analysis. The most important determinants of foal serum IgG concentration were the IgG content and specific gravity of presuckle colostrum samples (P less than 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of birth order,birth weight,colostrum and serum immunoglobulin G on neonatal piglet survival

Background

Intake of colostrum after birth is essential to stimulate intestinal growth and function, and to provide systemic immunological protection via absorption of Immunoglobulin G (IgG). The birth order and weight of 745 piglets (from 75 litters) were recorded during a one-week period of farrowing. Only pigs weighing greater than 0.68 kg birth weight were chosen for the trial. Sow colostrum was collected during parturition, and piglets were bled between 48 and 72 hours post-birth. Piglet serum IgG and colostral IgG concentrations were determined by radial immunodiffusion.

Results

Sow parity had a significant (P < 0.001) effect on sow colostral IgG concentration, being 5% higher in multiparous females. Sow colostral IgG concentration explained 6% and piglet birth order accounted for another 4% of the variation observed in piglet serum IgG concentration (P < 0.05); however, birth weight had no detectable effect. Piglet serum IgG concentration had both a linear (P < 0.05) and quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on % survival. Piglets with 1,000 mg/dl serum IgG or less (n=24) had a 67% survival; whereas, piglets with IgG concentrations between 2250 to 2500 mg/dl (n=247) had a 91% survival. Birth order had no detectable effect on survival, but birth weight had a positive linear effect (P < 0.05). Piglets weighing 0.9 kg (n = 107) at birth had a 68% survival rate, and those weighing 1.6 kg (n = 158) had an 89% survival.

Conclusion

We found that the combination of sow colostrum IgG concentration and birth order can account for 10% of the variation of piglet serum IgG concentration and that piglets with less than 1,000 mg/dl IgG serum concentration and weight of 0.9 kg at birth had low survival rate when compared to their larger siblings. The effective management of colostrum uptake in neonatal piglets in the first 24 hrs post-birth may potentially improve survival from birth to weaning.     

Effect of withholding macromolecules on the duration of intestinal permeability to colostral IgG in foals

OBJECTIVE: To quantify absorption of colostral IgG by healthy neonatal foals and to test the hypothesis that delayed ingestion of macromolecules prolongs the duration of intestinal permeability to immunoglobulins (Ig) in newborn foals. ANIMALS: Thirteen mixed breed foals. PROCEDURE: Foals were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, which were fed either a glucose-electrolyte solution or a commercial milk replacer for 12 h after birth, before being fed a known amount of colostral IgG. A control group was fed a known amount of colostral IgG from birth. The efficiency of IgG absorption was calculated following determination of plasma IgG concentration for each foal. RESULTS: Foals given colostrum immediately after birth transferred approximately 51% of ingested IgG into their vascular space. Delayed colostral ingestion significantly reduced the amount of IgG absorbed by foals. Withholding macromolecules for 12 h had no effect on the subsequent efficiency of IgG absorption. CONCLUSIONS: Colostrum should be supplied to foals within 12 h of birth for best uptake of Ig. The type of fluid administered to foals before the ingestion of colostrum does not influence subsequent absorption of Ig, suggesting that the process of gut closure in foals is not mediated by a finite capacity for macromolecular uptake.     

Prevalence (treatment days) and severity of illness in hypogammaglobulinemic and normogammaglobulinemic foals

Serum samples for determination of IgG concentration were obtained between postpartum hours 18 and 48 from 132 Standardbred foals. Results of the IgG assay were not known to farm personnel. None of the foals was given plasma IV for treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia. Foal health records were examined retrospectively to determine prevalence of infectious-type illness (foal treatment days [FTD]), prevalence of life-threatening infectious illness (foal treatment days-serious condition [FTD-SC]), and number of diseases (NOD) per foal. Values for FTD, FTD-SC, and NOD per foal were compiled for the first 21 days of life and for the first 90 days of life. The FTD, FTD-SC, and NOD per foal values were compared for foals with less than 400 mg of IgG/dl and for foals with greater than or equal to 400 mg of IgG/dl; the same variables were compared for foals with less than 800 mg of IgG/dl and for foals with greater than or equal to 800 mg of IgG/dl. Statistical analysis indicated that IgG concentration was not associated with FTD, FTD-SC, or NOD in foals of any of the groups. Also, despite a large subpopulation of hypogammaglobulinemic foals (13.6% with less than 400 mg of IgG/dl and 44.7% with less than 800 mg of IgG/dl), the 21-day and 90-day overall survival rates were 100 and 99.2%, respectively. The data strongly suggest that serum IgG concentration was not related to prevalence or severity of illness or to survival rate in this population of foals.     

Survey of arabian foals in poland for immune system disorders

During the foaling seasons of 1983 and 1984, 228 (76%) of 300 Arabian foalsborn in Poland were analyzed for immune system disorders by performing leukocyte differential counts and by quantitating serum concentrations of IgM and IgG. IgM concentrations and absolute lymphocyte counts were within normal limits for all foals tested. Twelve foals (5.3%) demonstrated failure or partial failure of colostral IgG transfer (foal serum IgG < 400 mg/dl). All 12 foals survived. No cases of combined immunodeficiency, selective IgM deficiency or agammaglobulinemia were detected among the 228 foals tested.     

Effect of delayed colostrum collection on colostral IgG concentration in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of timing of first-milking colostrum collection on colostral IgG concentration. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 13 healthy Holstein cows. PROCEDURES: All calvings were observed. After parturition, calves were not allowed to suckle and were separated from the dam. Colostrum was collected from a single randomly selected quarter at 2, 6, 10, and 14 hours after parturition until all 4 quarters were sampled. Colostral IgG concentration was determined via radial immunodiffusion. RESULTS: Mean colostral IgG concentration was 113, 94, 82, and 76 g/L at 2, 6, 10, and 14 hours after calving, respectively. Colostrum collected 6, 10, and 14 hours after calving had significantly lower IgG concentrations than did colostrum collected 2 hours after calving. Mean colostral IgG concentration at 14 hours after calving was significantly lower than that at 6 hours after calving. Cows in their third or greater lactation had mean colostral IgG concentrations 2 hours after calving (132 g/L) that were greater than the first and second lactation cows (mean, 95 and 100 g/L, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that early or immediate colostrum collection from dairy cows will maximize colostral IgG concentration. Adjustment of routine dairy farm management procedures may be required to maximize colostrum quality and minimize prevalence of failure of passive transfer in dairy calves.     

Decreased colostral immunoglobulin absorption in calves with postnatal respiratory acidosis

The effect of postnatal acid-base status on the absorption of colostral immunoglobulins by calves was examined in 2 field studies. In study 1, blood pH at 2 and 4 hours after birth was related to serum IgG1 concentration 12 hours after colostrum feeding (P less than 0.05). Decreased IgG1 absorption from colostrum was associated with respiratory, rather than metabolic, acidosis, because blood PCO2 at 2 and 4 hours after birth was negatively related to IgG1 absorption (P less than 0.05), whereas serum bicarbonate concentration was not significantly related to IgG1 absorption. Acidosis was frequently observed in the 30 calves of study 1. At birth, all calves had venous PCO2 value greater than or equal to 60 mm of Hg, 20 of the calves had blood pH less than 7.20, and 8 of the calves had blood bicarbonate concentration less than 24 mEq/L. Blood pH values were considerably improved by 4 hours after birth; only 7 calves had blood pH values less than 7.20. Calves lacking risk factors for acidosis were examined in study 2, and blood pH values at 4 hours after birth ranged from 7.25 to 7.39. Blood pH was unrelated to IgG1 absorption in the calves of study 2. However, blood PCO2 was again found to be negatively related to colostral IgG1 absorption (P less than 0.005). Results indicate that postnatal respiratory acidosis in calves can adversely affect colostral immunoglobulin absorption, despite adequate colostrum intake early in the absorptive period.     

Use of mammary gland and colostral characteristics for prediction of colostral IgG1 concentration and intramammary infection in Holstein cows.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mammary gland or colostral characteristics at calving could be used to predict colostral immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) concentration or intramammary infection (IMI) and whether leakage of colostrum affects IgG1 concentration. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 113 multiparous Holstein cows. PROCEDURE: Cows were examined within 3 hours of calving, and mammary gland and colostral characteristics, colostral volume, somatic cell count, and concentrations of IgG1, fat, and protein were determined. Bacteriologic culture of mammary secretions was performed approximately 14 and 7 days before calving and at calving. Associations of gland and colostral characteristics with colostral IgG1 concentration, colostral volume, and IMI were examined. RESULTS: Thick or thin colostrum had higher IgG1 concentration than colostrum of intermediate viscosity. Colostrum from mammary glands that were firm had low IgG1 concentration. Colostral IgG1 concentration was weakly correlated with volume. Intramammary infection was likely to be detected if colostrum contained clots or blood or if the California Mastitis Test (CMT) score was > or = 2. Somatic cell count was higher for glands with IMI than for uninfected glands, and CMT score was correlated with cell count. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Mammary gland and colostral characteristics were of little value in predicting IgG1 concentration. Our findings do not support recommendations that first milking colostrum that is thin (watery) or that is from cows producing large volumes not be fed to dairy calves. Colostral characteristics, particularly CMT score, were of value for predicting IMI.     

Evaluation of intravenous administration of concentrated immunoglobulin G to colostrum-deprived foals.

Ten foals of various breeds were deprived of colostrum from birth to 36 hours of age, then were allotted to 2 groups. Foals of group 1 (n = 6) were given 20 g (200 ml) of purified equine IgG IV in a 10% solution, and foals of group 2 (n = 4) were given 30 g (300 ml) of the same preparation. Total administration time for each 10 g of IgG in 100 ml was approximately 10 minutes. Serum IgG concentration in foals was assessed prior to, between 24 and 48 hours, and at 7 and 14 days after IgG administration. Between 24 and 48 hours after IgG administration, mean serum IgG concentration in group-1 foals was 425 mg/dl (range, 350 to 480 mg/dl). Mean body weight for this group of foals was 50.3 kg (range, 43.3 to 54.7 kg). For group-2 foals, mean serum IgG concentration was 768 mg/dl (range, 640 to 920 mg/dl) between 24 and 48 hours after administration of IgG. Foals of this group had mean body weight of 43.2 kg (range, 36.5 to 47.5 kg). Serum IgG concentration in group-2 foals at 24 to 48 hours was significantly (P = 0.005) greater than that in group-1 foals. Mean total IgG recovery at 24 to 48 hours, calculated on the basis of 94.5 ml of plasma volume/kg of body weight, was approximately 100%. Values of IgG measured in all foals 1 and 2 weeks after administration of the IgG concentrate were equivalent to values expected after normal decay of passively acquired IgG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Transfer of tumour necrosis factor-α via colostrum to foals

This study aimed to determine whether TNF-α is transferred to equine neonates via colostrum and the relationship between TNF-α and IgG concentrations in the equine neonate. Colostrum, presuckle and postsuckle foal serum samples were collected from healthy mares and their foals. Equine TNF-α ELISA and IgG SRID kits were used to determine the concentrations of TNF-α and IgG, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman rank correlation. TNF-α concentrations in all presuckle foal serum were below the limit of detection in 15/16 foals and increased in postsuckle foal serum to a mean concentration of 7.7 x 10(4) pg/ml. TNF-α concentrations in postsuckle foal serum and colostrum showed significant correlation (rho=0.668; P=0.005). However, TNF-α and IgG concentrations in colostrum or postsuckle foal serum did not correlate (rho<-0.016; P>0.05). Ratios of TNF-α/IgG in colostrum or postsuckle foal serum showed significant correlation (rho=0.750; P=0.0008). These results indicate that TNF-α is transferred to the foal via colostrum absorption and may play a role in early immunity.     

Sequential changes of IgG and antitrypsin in different compartments during the colostral-intestinal transfusion of immunity to the newborn foal

IgG levels and tryptic inhibition were investigated in sequentially collected mare's colostrum and milk, foal serum and urine. The colostral trypsin-inhibitor was "transfused" to the newborn foal by the colostral intestinal route in parallel with IgG. However, the trypsin-inhibitor as a small molecular weight inhibitor became excreted into urine peaking at about 20 hours. The physiological proteinuria in foals during the first 2 days is mostly due to immunoglobulin fragments and colostral-derived trypsin-inhibitor. Analysis of urine for IgG light chains or trypsin inhibitor will therefore reveal ingestion of colostrum.     

Absorption of colostral immunoglobulins and its interdependence

Three main factors underlying the immunity state of newborn calves are evaluated. During the absorption of colostral immunoglobulins the immunoprotein profile of a newborn calf is influenced by the following factors (arranged according to importance): volume of the first colostrum taken in, time of the first drinking, and immunoglobulin concentration (IgG and IgM) in colostrum. When given 1.1 or 2.0 litres of colostrum of about the same quality (as to immunity), the calves of the compared groups had significantly different levels of total serum Ig measured 24 hours after birth: 10.7 and 18.6 U ZST (P less than 0.05) and 48 hours after birth: 11.7 and 19.7 U ZST (P less than 0.01). A significant difference in total serum proteins was observed only in the 48th hour post partum (54.4 and 63.6 g per litre; P less than 0.05). At the intake of 1.5 litres of colostrum within two and five hours after birth, with the same total intake of the sum of IgG and IgM in the groups, the calves exhibited, in the 24th hour, total serum Ig levels of 14.4 and 12.4 U ZST (P greater than 0.05) respectively, and 56.0 and 47.9 g per litre (P greater than 0.05) of total serum protein, respectively. With a different concentration of colostral IgG (122.0 or 77.0 g per litre) the statistically significant Ig absorption into blood was adequately different (17.2 and 10.0 U ZST, respectively, P less than 0.05). The differences in the concentration of total serum Ig and total proteins between the 24th and 48th hour after birth were only very small and statistically insignificant. Regression analysis proved a significant relation (P less than 0.01) between the level of total serum Ig 24 and 48 hours after birth and the total amount of IgG and IgM taken in with the first colostrum. The calves coming from primiparae had a lower immunity (P less than 0.01) in comparison with the calves of multiparae. A similar relation in the absorption of colostral Ig was observed when the spontaneously born calves were compared with those born by the Caesarean section (P less than 0.01).     

Influence of colostral quality on serum proteins in dairy calves raised in smallholder farms in Thailand

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of colostral quality on serum proteins in calves. Samples were collected from visited farms in Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Kamphaeng Saen and Nong Pho Animal Hospital. In total, 35 dairy farms contributed 80 dams and calves’ samples. Colostrum samples from 80 dairy cows and blood samples from their calves were taken to evaluate colostral immunoglobulins (Ig) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), and calf serum protein and IgG. Total colostral Ig, colostral and serum IgG, and serum protein were measured by a colostrometer, single radial immunodiffusion, and refractrometer, respectively. Immunoglobulin G and serum protein concentrations increased in the 1st day after birth, and maximum concentrations were seen in the 2nd day and then decreased in the 7th and 14th days. Average?±?SD total colostral IgG concentrations at calving date and at 1 and 2 days after calving were 93.85?±?33.89, 37.11?±?23.51, and 17.23?±?9.4 mg/mL, respectively. The profile of total Ig and IgG concentrations in colostrum had a similar pattern, with the maximum concentrations obtained in calving date and rapidly decreased thereafter. Low IgG concentrations were seen in the 7th and 14th day after calving. The calves that were fed with high quality colostrum had higher serum protein at 1 day of age, 7.49?±?1.01 g/dL, than calves fed with low quality colostrum, 6.40?±?0.86 g/dL (P?<?0.01). The increase in serum protein after first colostrum feeding of high and low quality colostrum was 1.55?±?1.07 and 0.81?±?0.69 g/dL, respectively (P?=?0.02).