Association of neonatal serum immunoglobulin G1 concentration with health and performance in beef calves

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate associations between neonatal serum IgG1 concentration and pre- and postweaning morbidity and mortality rates and average daily gains (ADGs) in beef calves and define a cutoff point for serum IgG1 concentration necessary for optimal health and performance of beef calves. DESIGN: Nonconcurrent cohort study. ANIMALS: 1,568 crossbred beef calves. PROCEDURE: Single radial immunodiffusion was used to quantitate IgG1 concentration in sera collected from calves between 24 and 72 hours after birth. Logistic regression, ANCOVA, and likelihood ratios were used to analyze data. RESULTS: In the preweaning period, lower perinatal IgG1 concentrations were significantly associated with higher morbidity rates, higher mortality rates, and lower ADGs. Calves with serum IgG1 concentration < 2,400 mg/dL were 1.6 times as likely to become ill before weaning and 2.7 times as likely to die before weaning as calves with higher serum IgG1 concentrations. Calves with serum IgG1 concentration of at least 2,700 mg/dL weighed an estimated 3.35 kg (7.38 lb) more at 205 days of age than calves with lower serum IgG1 concentration. No significant association of serum IgG1 concentration with feedlot morbidity, death, or ADG was identified. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: By use of likelihood ratios, the threshold of serum IgG1 concentration for optimal health and performance of calves was higher than values reported previously. Implementation and maintenance of management and intervention strategies designed for early detection and treatment of calves at risk for failure of passive transfer will likely result in increases in preweaning health and performance parameters.     

Evaluation of Brix Refractometry for the Estimation of Colostrum Quality in Jennies

Donkey placenta does not allow the passage of immunoglobulins; thus, foals are born hypogammaglobulinemic and an adequate intake of high-quality colostrum in the first 24 hours of life is crucial for the surviving. The study aims to assess the relation between colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration evaluated by the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) test and the Brix refractometer in donkeys to establish a cutoff value for high quality of colostrum based on Brix refractometry. Colostrum was collected at foaling, and at 6, 12, and 24 hours after foaling from the left and the right half of nine Amiata jennies. A total of 72 colostrum samples were analyzed. A Friedman test with a Dunn’s test for multiple comparisons was used for assessing the differences between the left and right half at each sampling time. No differences were found between the left and right halves; the average value was used to analyze the effect of sampling time on the IgG concentrations and Brix values. The relationship between colostrum IgG concentrations (SRID test) versus Brix value and Brix value versus time was analyzed using two different mixed linear models. A strong statistically significant relation has been found between IgG concentrations and Brix values (R² = 0.84). The relation between IgG concentrations and Brix refractometer showed a cutoff point of 17% Brix score for the identification of high-quality colostrum. The Brix value (%) decreased continuously from 16.29 by 0.29 × hour. Jennies’ and donkey foals’ management may be greatly improved using this simple and cheap device.     

Detection of low serum immunoglobulin concentrations in clinically ill calves

The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of classification of 4 tests for failure of passive transfer (FPT) were examined in clinically ill neonatal calves. Comparisons were made with serum IgG1 concentrations determined by radial immunodiffusion. Serum samples were obtained from 27 clinically ill calves < or = 21 days of age. The results of 4 commonly used assays, the sodium sulfite turbidity test, the zinc sulfate turbidity test, refractometry, and the serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity test, were compared with radial immunodiffusion determinations of serum IgG1 concentration. Serum GGT activity using a 50 IU/L threshold resulted in correct classification of the highest percentage of calves (93%) with regard to their passive transfer status. The sodium sulfite test with a 1+ end point and refractometry using a 5.5 g/dL end point resulted in correct classification of 85% of the calves studied. When using the sodium sulfite test, the 2+ and 3+ test end points had lower specificity, 0.58 and 0.00, respectively, than the 1+ end point. This loss in specificity resulted in misclassification of calves with adequate serum immunoglobulin concentrations as having FPT. The zinc sulfate turbidity test was inadequately specific (0.33) and resulted in misclassification of 33% of calves.     

Serum haptoglobin concentration and liver enzyme activity as indicators of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and survival of sick calves

BackgroundIncreased concentration of haptoglobin (Hp) in serum is associated with survival of critically ill humans and horses. High serum activity of liver‐derived enzyme is associated with sepsis in children and foals.Hypothesis/ObjectivesInvestigate whether admission serum Hp and glutamic dehydrogenase (GLDH) are associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and survival of sick calves.AnimalsOne hundred two calves.MethodsRetrospective cross‐sectional study. Electronic medical records from all calves <30 days of age admitted to a teaching hospital for 8 years were reviewed. The signalment, clinicopathological findings, the presence of SIRS, final diagnosis, hospitalization time and outcome were recorded. A Cox proportional hazard ratio (HzR) were calculated to assess the association between clinicopathological variables and survival to discharge.ResultsSerum Hp concentrations were similar between SIRS (0.29 g/L; range, 0.05‐3.6) and non‐SIRS calves (0.22 g/L; range, 0‐4.2; P = .62). GLDH activity was similar between SIRS (12 U/L; range, 1‐1025) and non‐SIRS calves (9 U/L; range, 2‐137; P = .2). Absent suckle reflex (HzR: 6.44, 95% CI: 1.44‐28.86), heart rate (HR) < 100 beats per minute (bpm; HzR: 12.2; 95% CI: 2.54‐58.62), HR > 140 bpm (HzR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.05‐12.33), neutrophil count <1.7 × 10⁹/L (HzR: 7.36; 95% CI: 2.03‐26.66) and increased gamma‐glutamyl transferase activity (every 50‐unit, HzR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.21) were predictive of nonsurvival.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe use of Hp and GLDH for prediction of survival in sick calves cannot be recommended at this time.     

Use of Serum Protein Concentration to Predict Mortality in Mixed-Source Dairy Replacement Heifers

The relationship between serum protein concentration in the 1st week of life and survival to 16 weeks of age was examined in 3,479 Holstein replacement heifers over a period of 10 years on a farm with endemic salmonellosis. Thirty-four percent of calves studied had serum protein concentrations <5.0 g/dL and 60.5% of calves had serum protein concentrations <5.5 g/dL. Cumulative mortality was 7.9%, indicating that calves with marginal passive transfer status can be reared successfully under conditions of endemic salmonellosis. Optimal survival was observed in calves with serum protein concentrations >5.5 g/dL. Calves with serum protein concentrations of 5.0–5.4 g/dL had only a slightly increased relative risk (RR) of mortality (RR = 1.3) compared to calves with serum protein concentrations >5.5 g/dL. The highest RR was experienced by calves with serum protein concentrations <4 g/dL (RR = 4.6) and 4.0–4.4 g/dL (RR = 3.1). Calves with inadequate passive transfer (serum protein concentration <5.0 g/dL), experienced increased mortality until at least 10 weeks of age, indicating that failure of passive transfer has an effect on calf health that extends into the juvenile period. Models in which serum protein concentration was treated either as a continuous variable or as a categorical variable failed to demonstrate any significant interaction between baseline mortality and the RR of mortality. This finding suggests that the RR derived in the present study should be applicable to farms with dramatically different baseline mortality rates.     

Erythrocyte changes, serum iron concentration and performance following iron injection in neonatal beef calves

The injection of iron-dextran into beef calves at an early age immediately increased values for erythrocyte (RBC) numbers, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), even though the calves were not anemic. There were no significant differences in average daily gain (ADG) from birth through 15 wk between those that were injected and those that were not injected. Hereford calves had lower values for PCV, Hb, MCH and MCV than Angus and crossbred calves, and both Hereford and Angus calves had lesser body weight and slower ADG than crossbred calves. Serum iron (Fe) concentrations were higher in calves born in the spring and pastured in the summer than in calves born in late summer and fall and pastured in the fall. The serum Fe concentration of calves at first sampling (during first week of life) was positively correlated with their weight at that and subsequent times to 15 wk. Mean corpuscular volume and MCH in cows before calving were positively correlated with the MCV and MCH in their calves at first sampling. Serum Fe concentration in cows before calving was negatively correlated with the ADG of their calves through 15 wk.     

Blood metabolites and body temperature of single calves between 1 and 4 days of age in a dairy herd in New Zealand

AIM: Using specified indices, to determine the nutritional and thermal status of calves between 1 and 4 days of age.

METHODS: After birth, calves (n=106) were collected daily, according to farm practice. Over the following 4 days a jugular blood sample and rectal temperature were taken twice daily before feeding. Plasma concentrations of glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate and urea, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities were determined. The significance of differences in plasma composition and rectal temperature between calves whose birth had been assisted or unassisted, and between calves with low and high plasma GGT activities 24 h after birth, was determined using repeated measures analysis of varianc

RESULTS: There were no marked differences in plasma metabolite levels or body temperature of assisted and unassisted calves. Calves that had high plasma GGT activities 24 h after birth had higher plasma glucose concentrations over the 4 days than calves that had low plasma GGT activities (p<0.001). Overall, compared to published data on poorly-fed and hypothermic calves, calves in this study were normoglycaemic, their plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate and urea concentrations were low and their rectal temperatures were normal, indicating that they were well fed and did not become hypothermic.

CONCLUSIONS: The nutritional and thermal status of at least 90% of the calves was compatible with good health and survival during the first 4 days after birth.     

Examination of serum total IgG1 concentration in atopic and non-atopic dogs

In this study, serum immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) concentrations were examined in atopic and non-atopic dogs receiving different levels of parasite control. Significantly lower serum total IgG1 concentrations were found in non-atopic dogs receiving stringent parasite control than in atopic dogs or non-atopic dogs receiving less stringent parasite control. Examination of serum total IgG1 concentrations of atopic dogs after six months of allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) showed a significant increase in serum total IgG1 concentrations. It is proposed that serum total IgG1 concentrations are affected by parasitism, atopic dermatitis and ASIT.     

Factors related to the risk of neonatal mortality,birth-weight and serum immunoglobulin concentration in lambs in the UK

Neonatal-lamb mortality represents an economic loss and welfare concern. Two factors often associated with the risk of mortality are birth-weight and serum immunoglobulin concentration. We used data from two studies to investigate risk factors for mortality between 2 and 14 days of age and factors affecting birth-weight and serum immunoglobulin concentration at 48 h of age. Dataset 1 included 1339 lambs born on eight farms during the 1995 spring lambing season; dataset 2 included 3172 lambs on seven farms during the 1991 spring lambing season. To account for some of the potential clustering within the data, multilevel models were used. Most (>75%) of the variation in the risk of mortality was at the lamb level. In dataset 1, factors significantly associated with increased odds of lamb mortality included low birth-weight and low serum immunoglobulin concentration. In dataset 2, significant risk factors for mortality included low birth-weight, ewe body-condition score, being born late in the season (relative to other lambs on the farm) and being born in multiple litters. There was a significant interaction between the effects of litter size and birth-weight. (Serum immunoglobulin concentration was not available for dataset 2.) More than half of the variation in birth-weight was at the ewe level, 27% at the lamb level, and 18% at the farm level (dataset 1). Single birth and being male were associated with increased birth-weight in both datasets. In dataset 2 only, increasing ewe condition score and birth early in the study period were also associated with increased birth-weight. Fifty-six percent of the variation in immunoglobulin concentration was at the lamb level, 36% at the ewe level and only 7% at the farm level. Factors associated with reduced serum immunoglobulin concentration included early or late birth in the lambing season, being born later than 14 days after the first lamb born on the farm, multiple-birth litters and maternal mastitis.     

The transfer of serum IgG1 antibody into the gastrointestinal tract in newborn calves

Transfer of functional blood IgG1 to the gastrointestinal tract was measured in neonatal calves. Radiolabelled immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) anti-DNP antibody was administered to 2 day old calves by intravenous injection. The serum clearance rate was measured and was compared to the rate of protein-bound 125I excretion in the feces over a 10 day period to determine the importance of transfer to the gastrointestinal tract as a mechanism of serum IgG1 clearance. The amount of protein-bound and DNP-binding 125I present in the gastrointestinal tract of 10 day old calves at necropsy was also measured. Fecal excretion of protein-bound 125I accounted for 32% of the serum 125I-IgG1 clearance. Protein-bound 125I was present in the gastrointestinal tract at necropsy in amounts estimated to account for 68% of the total 125I-IgG1 clearance, and retained 65% of the DNP-binding ability of the original antibody. The discrepancy between the fecal excretion (32% of total IgG1 clearance) and the GI clearance estimated from protein-bound 125I in the gut (68% of total IgG1 clearance) is explained in part by IgG1 proteolysis occurring after transfer to the gastrointestinal tract but before fecal excretion. These results indicate that transfer to the calf gastrointestinal tract accounts for most IgG1 clearance in young calves, and that the intestinal antibody retains antigen binding function and may contribute to intestinal immunity.     

The relationship between serum IgG levels and age, leg injuries, infections and weight gains in dairy calves

Serum IgG profiles for calves up to 50 days varied markedly depending on the level of passively acquired immunity. A relationship between serum IgG at 5 days of age and prevalence of leg injuries (skin lesions) was found, whereas no associations were seen regarding IgG and diarrhoea or liveweight gain.     

Effects of natural zeolite clinoptilolite on passive immunity and diarrhea in newborn Holstein calves

In the present study, the effects of natural zeolite clinoptilolite on absorption of immunoglobulins from colostrum and incidence of enteric diseases were evaluated. In a completely randomised design, thirty Holstein calves were fed pooled colostrum and then milk containing zero (control), 0.5 (T1), 1.0 (T2), 1.5 (T3) and 2.0 (T4) g clinoptilolite per kg body weight per day through day 45. Blood was collected after birth and at 24 h of age and plasma IgG and IgM concentrations were determined. Fecal consistency score and severity of diarrhea were recorded for each calf twice daily. Calves receiving T3 and T4 had lower (P < 0.05) plasma IgG concentration than control and other treatments. Calves on T2 had higher (P < 0.05) plasma IgG concentration than T3 and T4, but not T1 and control. Inclusion of clinoptilolite to colostrum did not affect (P > 0.05) IgM absorption from the intestine of newborn calves. Fecal consistency scores were lower (P < 0.05) for calves on T1 and T2 and higher for calves on T3 and T4 than calves on control. Percent calf days with diarrhea followed the same trend. In overall, seven calves died, those being one each on control and T1, two on T3 and three on T4. Based upon these results, addition of 1.0 g clinoptilolite per kg body weight per day to colostrum and milk could reduce diarrhea, but its effect on passive immunity was negligible. Over 1.0 g/kg body weight per day, clinoptilolite had adverse effect on passive immunity and diarrhea.     

Effects of sex and age on behavior and weight gain in beef calves after abrupt weaning

The effects of weaning on beef calves of different ages were investigated. Forty male and 40 female calves were either weaned at 6 (W6, n = 40) or 8 (W8, n = 40) months of age. The vocalization activity and behaviors (feeding, lying and standing/walking) were observed during the first 3 days following weaning. Body weight was recorded at 6 and 8 months and 2 weeks following weaning. W6 animals vocalized more often than W8 calves and females more than males on day 1 (P < 0.05). The vocalization activity decreased at a higher rate in W8 than in W6 from days 1 to 3. On day 2, W6 calves spent less time lying and more standing/walking than W8 calves (P < 0.05). The behaviors did not differ between males and females. The average daily gain after weaning did not differ between weaning ages (P > 0.05), but W8 calves gained more from 6 to 8 months of age. In conclusion, weaning distress was more pronounced in W6 than in W8 calves. W8 calves also had a superior growth performance during 6 to 8 months of age. The effect of the calves' sex was less pronounced. Therefore, it is recommended to wean beef calves later than 6 months of age.     

The effect of assembly and transit stressors on plasma fibrinogen concentration of beef calves.

Plasma fibrinogen concentration was measured in beef calves at various points within the system presently used to assemble, market and transport calves from one production point to another in order to determine the effect of the stresses encountered. A short haul of 160 km immediately after weaning did not significantly elevate fibrinogen concentration above the pretransit values. Yearling steers transported 400 km and confined in unfamiliar surroundings for 15 h did have an elevated (P less than 0.01) concentration of fibrinogen, but this increase was not significantly different from that of steers which were confined but not transported, thus confinement may be a significant portion of the stress associated with transit. The change in plasma fibrinogen concentration during assembly and transit was dependent upon the farm from which the calves originated. The magnitude of the change in fibrinogen concentration as a result of assembly and transit varied between the years studied. In one year pretransit assembly for ten days resulted in a higher fibrinogen concentration before and after transit than assembly for four days, but no difference was noted between the two groups in the second year. Bovine plasma fibrinogen concentration does increase in response to the stresses associated with assembly and transit. The stress of fasting and housing in unfamiliar surroundings also increase bovine plasma fibrinogen concentration and are present in the assembly and transit system. These two stresses may account for a majority of the stress associated with marketing and transit. The response of beef calves to the marketing and transit system varied between years.     

Concentration and heritability of immunoglobulin G and natural antibody immunoglobulin M in dairy and beef colostrum along with serum total protein in their calves

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G and natural antibody (NAb) IgM are passively transferred to the neonatal calf through bovine colostrum. Maternal IgG provides pathogen- or vaccine-specific protection and comprises about 85% of colostral Ig. NAb-IgM is less abundant but provides broad and nonspecific reactivity, potentially contributing to protection against the dissemination of pathogens in the blood (septicemia) in a calf’s first days of life. In the dairy and beef industries, failure of passive transfer (FPT) of colostral Ig (serum total protein [STP] <5.2 g/dL) is still a common concern. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare colostral IgG concentrations and NAb-IgM titers between dairy and beef cows; (2) assess the effect of beef breed on colostral IgG; (3) compare passive transfer of colostral Ig in dairy and beef calves; and (4) estimate the heritability of colostral IgG and NAb-IgM. Colostrum was collected from Holstein dairy (n = 282) and crossbred beef (n = 168) cows at the University of Guelph dairy and beef research centers. Colostral IgG was quantified by radial immunodiffusion and NAb-IgM was quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In dairy (n = 308) and beef (n = 169) calves, STP was estimated by digital refractometry. Beef cows had significantly greater colostral IgG (146.5 ± 9.5 standard error of the mean [SEM] g/L) than dairy cows (92.4 ± 5.2 g/L, P <0.01). Beef cows with a higher proportion of Angus ancestry had significantly lower colostral IgG (125.5 ± 5.8 g/L) than cows grouped as “Other” (142.5 ± 4.9 g/L, P = 0.02). Using the FPT cutoff, 13% of dairy and 16% of beef calves had FPT; still, beef calves had a significantly larger proportion with excellent passive transfer (STP ≥6.2 g/dL, P <0.01). The heritability of colostral IgG was 0.04 (±0.14) in dairy and 0.14 (±0.32) in beef. Colostral NAb-IgM titers in dairy (12.12 ± 0.22, log₂ [reciprocal of titer]) and beef cows (12.03 ± 0.19) did not differ significantly (P = 0.71). The range of NAb-IgM titers was 9.18–14.60, equivalent to a 42-fold range in antibody concentration. The heritability of colostral NAb was 0.24 (±0.16) in dairy and 0.11 (±0.19) in beef cows. This study is the first to compare colostral NAb-IgM between dairy and beef cows. Based on the range in NAb-IgM titers and the heritability, selective breeding may improve colostrum quality and protection for neonatal calves in the early days of life.     

Effect of gastrointestinal nematodes on serum copper and phosphorus of growing beef calves in northwestern Argentina

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The aim of this work was to study the effect of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) on copper (Cu) and phosphorus (P) in blood of beef cattle in two ranches...     

Effect of age at the time of vaccination on antibody titers and feedlot performance in beef calves

OBJECTIVE: To compare antibody responses, feedlot morbidity and mortality rates, feedlot performance, and carcass value for calves vaccinated with 1 of 2 vaccination strategies and for unvaccinated control calves. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. ANIMALS: 451 beef steers and heifers. PROCEDURES: Calves were vaccinated with a modified-live infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV), bovine viral diarrhea virus types 1 (BVDV1) and 2 (BVDV2), parainfluenza type 3 virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus vaccine and Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida bacterin-toxoid at approximately 67 and 190 days of age (group 1; n = 151) or at approximately 167 and 190 days of age (group 2; 150) or were not vaccinated (control; 150). Serum antibody titers were measured at approximately 2, 67, 167, 190, and 232 days of age. Morbidity and mortality rates, feedlot performance, and carcass value were recorded for 361 calves shipped to feedlots. RESULTS: Percentages of calves seroconverting to IBRV, BVDV1, and BVDV2 were significantly higher for groups 1 and 2 than for the control group. Mean treatment costs were significantly lower for vaccinated than for control calves, and mean mortality rate was significantly higher for control calves than for group 1 calves. Feedlot performance and carcass value did not vary significantly among groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that vaccination of beef calves with a 5-antigen modified-live virus vaccine at 67 and 190 days of age was as effective in terms of immunologic responses as was vaccination at 167 and 190 days of age.     

营养水平对肉犊牛营养物质消化率和血清指标的影响

研究不同能量、蛋白质水平的代乳品对南方地区哺乳期肉用犊牛营养物质消化和血清指标的影响,进而确立代乳品能量和蛋白质参数,为南方地区肉犊牛的饲料配制提供数据支持。采用2×2因子设计,犊牛代乳品的能量水平为16、14 MJ/kg,粗蛋白水平为25%、22%,共计4种。选取新生犊牛40头,21日龄断母乳并根据日龄和体重一致原则分为4个处理组,每组10头犊牛,分别饲喂上述4种代乳品,于77~85日龄进行消化试验并静脉采集血液。结果显示相同能量水平,犊牛对代乳品中粗脂肪和钙的表观消化率随粗蛋白水平的升高而提高(P0.05);较低粗蛋白水平代乳品,随其能量水平的升高,粗蛋白消化率显著提升(P0.05);低能低蛋白组(DE:14 MJ/kg,CP:22%)营养物质消化率略小于其它各组。饲喂低能量水平代乳品时,随其粗蛋白水平的升高,犊牛血清中尿素氮含量显著降低(P0.05);而饲喂高能量水平代乳品时,随其粗蛋白水平的升高,犊牛血清谷草转氨酶含量显著提高(P0.05);代乳品能量和粗蛋白水平对犊牛其它血清指标均无显著影响(P0.05)。高能量水平(DE:16 MJ/kg)有助于犊牛粗蛋白质消化吸收,高蛋白水平(CP:25%)有助于犊牛对粗脂肪和钙的利用,低能低蛋白水平(DE:14 MJ/kg,CP:22%)日粮不利于犊牛营养物质消化吸收。     

Reduced serum lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity and cholesteryl ester concentration in calves experimentally inoculated with Pasteurella haemolytica and bovine herpes virus-1

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), the enzyme responsible for esterification of cholesterol in plasma, is reported to be implicated in the regulation of inflammation in laboratory animals. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the possible relevance of LCAT in the pathogenesis of calf pneumonia induced by inoculations of Pasteurella haemolytica and bovine herpes virus-1 into the calf lung. Serum LCAT activity was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced in calves inoculated with Pasteurella haemolytica. The concentration of cholesteryl esters (CE), the product of the LCAT reaction, was also decreased in the inoculated group. Decreases in LCAT activity and the CE concentration were similarly observed in calves in which bovine herpes virus-1 was inoculated. In both bacteria- and virus-inoculated calves, CE concentrations in the high-density lipoprotein fractions were distinctly decreased, whereas those in the low-density lipoprotein fractions were practically unaltered. The acute-phase proteins haptoglobin and serum amyloid A were detected in sera from the bacteria- and virus-inoculated calves; however, the two acute-phase proteins were also found in sera from the control calves. These results suggest that decreases in LCAT activity and the CE concentration are involved in the pathogenesis of pneumonia induced by inoculation of calves with Pasteurella haemolytica and bovine herpes virus-1, and also that the change in the LCAT system is more intimately related to the occurrence of calf pneumonia than the induction of acute-phase proteins such as haptoglobin.