Evaluation of immunoglobulin G concentration in colostrum of mares by ELISA, refractometry and colostrometry

In 360 samples of colostrum and 36 samples of blood of warmblood mares, the concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) was evaluated in the post partal period with an ELISA and the results were compared to values obtained with 2 field methods--refractometry and colostrometry. A significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was determined between ELISA and colostrometry (r = +0.88) and between ELISA and refractometry (r = +0.93). So both field-methods seem suitable for evaluation of the colostral IgG-concentration in mares. Further the kinetic of the IgG concentration in colostrum, the volume of colostrum and the total amount of IgG was measured in the 12 hours post partum (p.p.) in each half udder of 36 mares of different parity. Immediately p.p. primiparous mares have a greater mean concentration of IgG (68 mg/ml) than multiparous mares (51 mg/ml). However, multiparous mares have a mean colostral volume of 1020 ml whereas, in primiparous mares, a mean volume of 527 ml was determined within the first three hours p.p. As a result of this the total amount of IgG was lower in primiparous (31.5 g) than in multiparous mares (48.5 g). A significant decrease of IgG concentration was measured in multiparous mares in the 1.5 hours following partum versus 3 hours in primiparous mares. The mean IgG concentration in the blood serum of the 36 mares immediately p.p. was 13.4 +/- 3.6 mg/ml. No significant correlation was observed between values of IgG concentration in the blood and in the colostrum of the mares.     

Iodine Content in Colostrum and Milk of Cows and Sows

The concentration of total iodine in colostrum and normal milk of cows and sows has been determined using a Technicon Autoanalyzer. In cows as well as in sows a lowering of the level of iodine in milk was observed during the first few days after parturition. At the first sampling within 8 hrs. after parturition the concentration of iodine in colostrum of cows from 2 herds was on average 3.4 and 2.4 μg/100 ml, respectively. Corresponding value for colostrum of the sows was 67 μg/100 ml. Based on informations about the composition of the food and daily food consumption it could be estimated that 0.5–1 and 20–45 % of the daily intake of iodine were secreted per 1 milk or colostrum of cows and sows, respectively. It can be concluded that the mammary gland of the sow has a considerably higher ability to concentrate iodine than that of the cow. Furthermore the concentration mechanism is more efficient immediately after parturition than at later stages of lactation.     

Changes in colostral and serum IgG content in swine in relation to time

Changes in the IgG concentration in the colostrum from separate teats of 6 sows and those in the sera of their 38 piglets were investigated. Colostrum was frequently sampled from parturition to 120 hours and blood was taken from the piglets from birth to 10 weeks of age. The IgG content of the colostrum decreased to 3.2% of the original concentration at the 5th day of lactation. The meaningful variation of the IgG concentration of the colostra obtained from different teats increased rapidly from 12 hours postpartum. Between-sow variation was high and no correlation of the IgG concentration of the colostrum with the average serum level of the corresponding litter could be confirmed. Of the newborn pigs, 33% possessed IgG before ingesting colostrum, the observed concentration was 0.09±0.02 mg/ml (mean±SEM). At 0.5 and 1.5 hours after access to colostrum, this value was 2.30±1.38 and 1.89±0.60 mg/ml respectively. The highest IgG concentration (39.45±1.46) was observed at 24 hours after birth. Following that, a stepwise drop occurred in the IgG level and the lowest value was observed in the 4th week of age (8.92±0.59 mg/ml). Subsequently, there was a continuous rise until 10 weeks of age when the concentration reached the value characteristic of adults. The calculated half-life of the IgG in the sera showed a significant between-litter variation. The average half-life of the serum IgG of pigs was 9.73 days.     

Immunoglobulins in piglets from sows heat-stressed prepartum

Sows were subjected to moderate heat stress in a chamber (32 C) from d 100 of pregnancy until less than 8 h before delivery of first piglet, while control sows were in a thermoneutral chamber (21 C) or farrowing house (22 C). Blood serum and colostrum at parturition of heat-stressed sows and their piglets' serum at birth had elevated cortisol concentrations. Total protein, globulin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in sow serum tended to decrease as parturition time was approached; albumin did not change. Total protein and IgG concentrations in colostrum at parturition and in milk 24 and 48 h later tended to be lower in heat-stressed sows. Concentrations of these four protein fractions (total, globulin, IgG and albumin) in piglet serum at birth did not differ among treatment groups, but soon after colostrum ingestion they increased markedly in all groups. Therefore, in all groups total protein remained constant while globulin and IgG decreased. Globulin concentration on d 1 was lowest in piglets from heat-stressed sows, but its rate of decrease after d 1 was not affected by sow treatment. Immunoglobulin G concentration was 11 mg/ml lower, but its rate of decrease through postnatal d 20 was slower in piglets from heat-stressed sows than in those from control sows; a 10-mg/ml difference in IgG concentration on postnatal d 1 has been associated with increased preweaning mortality in piglets. Higher cortisol concentration in serum and lower IgG in colostrum of sows under heat stress was associated in their piglets with higher serum cortisol at birth and lower serum IgG for the first 20 d postnatum.     

Dynamic changes of immunoglobulin concentrations in pig colostrum and serum around parturition

The aim of the study was the determination of IgA, IgM and IgG concentrations in porcine serum and colostrum, in order to evaluate their variations in the perinatal period, as well as to clarify whether there is a correlation between colostrum intake, initial level of immunoglobulins (Ig) in piglet serum and development of their own immunity. The mean IgA, IgM and IgG concentrations in sow serum 10 days before parturition were 1.58, 6.12 and 39.56 mg/ml, respectively. Seven days later only the IgG level was insignificantly lower (34.94 mg/ml, p = 0.55), while concentrations of IgA and IgM increased to 2.25 and 7.25 mg/ml, respectively (p = 0.23 and 0.62, respectively). The mean initial IgG concentration in colostrum at farrowing was 118.5 mg/ml and differed between sows. The average value of IgA in colostrum at birth was 23.8 mg/ml and decreased to 7.85 mg/ml at 6 hours (h) and to 4.59 mg/ml at 24 h after the onset of farrowing. IgM concentration at birth was 12.1 mg/ml and decreased to 4.23 mg/ml at 24 h postpartum. Positive relationships were found between concentrations of IgM and IgA in serum of piglets at 14 and 56 days of life (r = 0.41 and 0.80, respectively, p < or = 0.05) as well as for IgG concentration in the piglets serum at 7 days and 56 days of age (r = 0.48, p < or = 0.05). The above observations suggest that there is a correlation between the level of Ig in piglet serum in the first days of life and improvement of their own immunity.     

The influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on blood serum and colostrum immunoglobulin G concentration in female goats before and after parturition

The effects on blood serum and colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels from including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the diet were evaluated in goats. In experiment 1, 20 goats were allotted into two groups; the CLA group received 20 g/kg of dry matter of CLA 60 and the control group received 0 g/kg of CLA 60, from the third month of gestation until partum. Blood samples were taken every 2 weeks from 1 day before CLA inclusion to partum. From partum until 96 hours, blood and colostrum samples were taken every 24 h. Before partum, IgG serum blood levels were 15.6 and 9.4 mg/ml (CLA and control, respectively); the time effect was statistically significant. After partum (96 h), the effect of CLA dietary inclusion was statistically significant.     

Mechanism and isotypes involved in passive immunoglobulin transfer to the newborn alpaca (Lama pacos)

Crias, newborn alpacas (Lama pacos), that were almost agammaglobulinemic at birth had a 70% increase in total serum proteins within 24 hours largely because of absorption of gamma globulins from colostrum. Immunoglobulin G was the isotype in highest concentration in colostrum and in serum from 24-hour-old crias. The serum IgG concentration of 10 crias increased linearly (r = 0.97) from a mean of 0.3 mg/ml (+/- 0.1 SD) for serum collected before crias suckled to a maximal mean of 30.1 mg/ml (+/- 8.1 SD) at 24 hours. The 24-hour concentration decreased by half in 10 days. Immunoglobulin M also was absorbed from colostrum and increased linearly (r = 0.99) from a mean of 0.5 mg/ml (+/- 0.1 SD) for serum collected before crias suckled to a maximal mean of 4.2 mg/ml (+/- 2.2 SD) 24 hours after birth. The 24-hour serum concentration of IgM decreased by half in 7 days. Therefore, on a weight basis, 7 times more IgG than IgM was transferred to crias; IgG accounted for greater than 85% of the passively transferred proteins in serum of 24-hour-old crias. Absorption of functional antibodies of IgG and IgM isotypes from colostrum of immunized dams by crias also was demonstrated. Immunoglobulin G and IgM antibody titers to chicken RBC increased linearly to maximal geometric mean titers of 1,139 and 843, respectively, 24 hours after birth. The 24-hour IgG and IgM antibody titers decreased by half in 6 and 3.8 days, respectively. Purified alpaca IgG had a molecular mass of 166 kilodaltons, a predominant gamma mobility, and an extinction coefficient of 14.1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Estrone and Progesterone Plasma Levels of Normal Cows and Cows with Parturient Paresis

Blood plasma concentrations of estrone and progesterone, calcium and inorganic phosphorus were measured in 22 cows (Swedish Red and White Breed) from 4 weeks prepartum up to 6 days post partum. Ten cows with parturient paresis had Ca levels below 6 mg/100 ml. Data from plasma analyses in individual cows were grouped in the following periods: 28–22, 21–15, 14–8, 7–6, 5–4, 3, 2, 1 day(s) before parturition and 1, 2, 3–6 days after parturition. Statistical comparisons of the levels of the hormones and the ratio progesterone/estrone did not reveal any significant differences between the paretic and normal cows at any time period. The results do not support the theories that high systemic levels of estrogens or an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone predispose towards parturient paresis.     

Measurement of Carbonic Anhydrase Isozyme VI (CA-VI) in Bovine Sera,Saliva, Milk and Tissues

Concentrations of bovine carbonic anhydrase isozyme VI (CA-IV) in bovine serum, saliva, normal milk, colostrum, submandibular gland, liver, and mammary gland were determined. CA-VI was purified from bovine saliva and an antibody to CA-VI was generated. The concentrations of CA-VI in the saliva (7.8 ± 7.9 μg/ml), serum (2.1± 5.7 ng/ml), milk (7.9 ± 12.1 ng/ml), submandibular gland (284.7 μg/g protein), liver (921.0 ± 180.7 ng/g protein) and mammary gland (399.6 ± 191.2 ng/g protein) were determined by ELISA. No seasonal change in CA-VI levels was observed in normal milk. The concentration of CA-VI in colostrum (day 1 post partum) was 119 ng/ml and decreased rapidly by 1 month following birth. Mammary gland contained much smaller amounts than the submandibular gland. CA-VI mRNA was detected in the liver and mammary gland of cow by RT-PCR. The ELISA used in this study proved to be a precise and sensitive method for determining CA-VI concentrations in saliva, serum, milk and tissue specimens from cows. The ELISA may enable the study of changes in CA-VI associated with hereditary or metabolic disorders of the salivary gland, mammary gland and liver using small samples of saliva, serum or milk.     

Efficacy of mannanoligosaccharides additive to sows diets on colostrum, blood immunoglobulin content and production parameters of piglets

The present results suggest that mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) included in a sow nutrition may affect its immune system and humoral antibody production in colostrum and milk, and thus increase the piglet immunity at the postnatal period. The studies involved sows of the Polish Landrace breed mated with boars (Hampshire x Duroc). In each experiment, the sows were assigned to two groups: control and experimental (MOS). Each group consisted of 16 sows managed in pens (2 animals in each) during pregnancy, whereas at farrowing and lactation period they were placed in individual pens. The basal diet during pregnancy (PR-S) and lactation (LC-S) period contained wheat (40% in experiment I--groups 1 and 2) or triticale (40% in experiment II--groups 3 and 4), as well as barley, soybean meal, soybean oil and mineral-vitamin premix. Throughout both experiments, the sows from the experimental group had a dietary supplement of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) preparation for 4 of weeks prepartum and 4 weeks of post partum period. A level of the MOS supplementation (8 g of MOS per sow daily) based on the recommendations of the manufacturer. Blood samples were collected from the sows on days 84 (the start of trial) and 110 of pregnancy, after farrowing, and on day 21 of lactation period, while from the piglets at birth and on day 21 of age. Colostrum was collected between 1-3, 12, 24 and 48 h after farrowing. The blood samples taken from sows and piglets as well as the samples of sow colostrum and milk were evaluated for the presence of IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies. The present study has provided considerable evidence that MOS supplementation of sows feedstuff before and after farrowing (4 weeks before and 4 weeks after) exerts a positive effect on IgG content in the colostrum and plasma of sows and following this on serum IgG level in the suckling piglets. Higher level of colostral (passive) immunity influences positively body weight gain and survival rate of the piglets at weaning.     

Influence of organic versus inorganic dietary selenium supplementation on the concentration of selenium in colostrum,milk and blood of beef cows

Background

Selenium (Se) is important for the postnatal development of the calf. In the first weeks of life, milk is the only source of Se for the calf and insufficient level of Se in the milk may lead to Se deficiency. Maternal Se supplementation is used to prevent this.We investigated the effect of dietary Se-enriched yeast (SY) or sodium selenite (SS) supplements on selected blood parameters and on Se concentrations in the blood, colostrum, and milk of Se-deficient Charolais cows.

Methods

Cows in late pregnancy received a mineral premix with Se (SS or SY, 50 mg Se per kg premix) or without Se (control – C). Supplementation was initiated 6 weeks before expected calving. Blood and colostrum samples were taken from the cows that had just calved (Colostral period). Additional samples were taken around 2 weeks (milk) and 5 weeks (milk and blood) after calving corresponding to Se supplementation for 6 and 12 weeks, respectively (Lactation period) for Se, biochemical and haematological analyses.

Results

Colostral period. Se concentrations in whole blood and colostrum on day 1 post partum and in colostrum on day 3 post partum were 93.0, 72.9, and 47.5 μg/L in the SY group; 68.0, 56.0 and 18.8 μg/L in the SS group; and 35.1, 27.3 and 10.5 μg/L in the C group, respectively. Differences among all the groups were significant (P < 0.01) at each sampling, just as the colostrum Se content decreases were from day 1 to day 3 in each group. The relatively smallest decrease in colostrum Se concentration was found in the SY group (P < 0.01).Lactation period. The mean Se concentrations in milk in weeks 6 and 12 of supplementation were 20.4 and 19.6 μg/L in the SY group, 8.3 and 11.9 μg/L in the SS group, and 6.9 and 6.6 μg/L in the C group, respectively. The values only differed significantly in the SS group (P < 0.05). The Se concentrations in the blood were similar to those of cows examined on the day of calving. The levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were 364.70, 283.82 and 187.46 μkat/L in the SY, SS, and C groups, respectively. This was the only significantly variable biochemical and haematological parameter.

Conclusion

Se-enriched yeast was much more effective than sodium selenite in increasing the concentration of Se in the blood, colostrum and milk, as well as the GSH-Px activity.     

The pig in the ante and post-partal period. 1. Studies on serum electrolyte concentrations (Ca, inorganic phosphorus, Mg) and on the serum and milk content of Fe and Cu

A group of 23 sows, with their first or second litter, were tested for the development of the calcium, anorganic phosphate, magnesium, iron and copper levels in the blood serum in the peripartal period up to the end of the 3rd week of lactation. It could be shown that in some of the sows (25%) in the first three days after giving birth a condition which could be called latent hypocalcaemia occurred, while the other animals retained almost the previous amount of calcium concentration. Statistics showed that (p less than or equal to 0.05--0.01) all the animals had a decrease in anorganic phosphate content post partum (p.p.). No marked changes in the Mg concentrations were found during the research period. However, there was a considerable decrease in the Fe concentrations in the blood serum within the first 24 hours after birth (p less than or equal to 0.05). The iron value after the end of the 3rd week of lactation was lower than the value before the birth -- 132.8 +/- 42.7 microgram/100 ml as against 144.7 +/- 51.1 microgram/100 ml: -- 8.2% under. On the other hand there was an increase in the serum Cu content (p less than or equal to 0.05--0.01). The Fe as well as the Cu concentration decreased in the milk within the first 8 days by more than a half.     

Absorption and Synthesis of Immunoglobulins G in Newborn Calves

Newborn calves (n=19) got 4.5 liters of pooled colostrum within three feedings in the first 14 hours post natum (p.n.). The immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2 concentrations in the colostrum pool were 54.9 mg/ml and 4.2 mg/ml. The precolostral serum IgG concentrations in calves were 0.15 mg/ml (IgG1; SD 0.24) and 0.06 mg/ml (IgG2; SD 0.14). The highest serum IgG levels p.n. were measured 12 hours after the first colostrum feeding (9.3 mg IgG1/ml (SD 4.0), 0.8 mg IgG1/ml (SD 1.0). Thereafter, the mean IgG1 level was reduced continuously to the significant lowest concentration of 4.9 mg/ml (SD 2.3) at day 28 p.n. and then increased continuously to the significant highest concentration of 9.0 mg/ml (SD 4.8) on day 77 p.n. The mean concentration of IgG2 was lowest on day 11 p.n. (0.5 mg/ml; SD 0.4) and highest on day 77 p.n. (1.2 mg/ml; SD 0.6).
In blood from 198 calves, housed in Germany and sampled between day 4 and 6 p.n., the IgG concentration averaged 4.9 mg/ml serum (SD 3.3). From 93 dams of these calves a sample of the first colostrum could be obtained showing a mean concentration of 22.0 mg IgG/ml (SD 11.0). IgG levels in the colostrum and in the serum showed a correlation of r=0.37.
In Kenia IgG levels of three week old calves from two farms were measured. The calves were always with mother for the first 24 hours. The mean serum IgG concentrations of the calves were 22.5 mg IgG/ml (n=7, SD 6.8) and 15.2 mg IgG/ml (n=15; SD 6.3). Comparing to the serum IgG levels found in calves of our studies in Germany there were significant differences.     

The impact of direct‐fed microbials and enzymes on the health and performance of dairy cows with emphasis on colostrum quality and serum immunoglobulin concentrations in calves

Thirty‐six cows were blocked by calving date and randomly assigned to one of three treatments. Cows were on treatments 3 weeks prepartum through 8 weeks post‐partum. Treatments were as follows: (i) no direct‐fed microbial (DFM) or cellulase and amylase enzymes (C), (ii) 45.4 g/day of DFM (D) or (iii) 45.4 g/day of DFM and 18.2 g/day of enzyme (DE). Total mixed ration fed and refused were measured daily to determine dry matter intake (DMI). Blood samples were taken three times weekly and analysed for β‐hydroxybutyrate, glucose and non‐esterified fatty acids. Body weight (BW) was measured weekly. Colostrum was weighed and analysed for IgA and IgG concentration. Calves were fed 4 L of colostrum within 2 hr of birth. Calf blood samples were taken at 0 and 24 hr for analysis of IgA and IgG concentrations and apparent efficiency of absorption. Milk yield was measured daily and samples collected weekly. Initial BW was different among treatments with D being lesser than C or DE treatments. Body weight, weight gain, efficiency of gain, DMI and blood parameters were unaffected. Treatment did not affect colostrum yield. Ash percentage of colostrum tended to increase with D and DE, while IgA and total solids yield decreased with D. Colostrum fat yield was decreased in D and DE. Treatments did not impact BW, serum IgA and IgG concentrations or apparent efficiency of absorption of calves. Post‐partum BW, DMI, blood parameters, milk production and composition were unaffected by treatment. However, cows on D gained more BW and tended to have greater efficiency of gain compared to those on DE, but were similar to C. Somatic cell scores were greatest for D. Results indicate that DFM and enzyme supplementation did not improve health and performance of dairy cattle during the pre‐ and post‐partum periods under conditions of this study.     

On the transferrin concentration in serum of sows and growing pigs and in sow colostrum

Immunologically pure transferrin was isolated from swine serum by means of ammoniumsulphate precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography. Rabbit anti-swine transferrin serum was prepared and used for immunological determinations of transferrin in serum and colostrum. The transferrin concentration in serum from piglets was 180 ± 56 mg/100 ml at birth and rather constant by the first days of life. The levels increase to 610 ± 78 mg/100 ml at 6 weeks after birth. The transferrin level of colostrum was 100 mg/100 ml and decreased rapidly. A negative correlation was established between the concentration of haemoglobin and transferrin. The importance of transferrin is discussed.     

Humoral immune responses to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in sows and offspring following an outbreak of mycoplasmosis

Previously healthy sows, seropositive to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, developed clinical signs of mycoplasmosis, as well as increasing amounts of antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae during an outbreak of the disease in a herd. During the early phase of the outbreak, young piglets (2 weeks) with maternal antibodies remained healthy while older seronegative piglets (4–7 weeks) developed the disease. The duration of the maternal antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae varied between litters and was related to the amount of antibodies in the serum of the dam. In sows, the level of serum antibodies decreased continuously from 4 weeks ante partum to partus, and the level of antibodies in the whey of colostrum was comparable to that in serum 4 weeks ante partum. After loss of maternal antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae, seropositive animals were not found among piglets younger than 9 weeks. Therefore peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from various age categories of piglets in order to measure the ability to produce antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae in vitro. PBMC obtained from piglets aged 1 and 3 weeks produced few antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae. Significantly higher levels of antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae were produced by PBMC obtained from pigs aged 5–9 weeks. Thus, the ability of PBMC to produce antibodies to M. hyopneumoniae in vitro seemed to be age-dependent.     

Blood and colostrum/milk serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity as a predictor of passive transfer status in lambs

The importance of blood and colostrum/milk serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT) enzyme activity was evaluated to assess passive transfer status in healthy lambs. Thirty Akkaraman sheep (3-6 years old) were used which had normal pregnancy period and the same conditions, and the age of the lambs ranged between 0 and 15 days. Blood and colostrum/milk samples were collected from sheep and lambs after birth, before suckling (0) and after on 1st, 3rd, 7th and 15th days. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was determined by the use of Single Radial Immunodiffusion method. Serum gamma-GT activity was measured, using a commercially available kit in blood and colostrum/milk samples. Correlations were carried out between immunoglobulin and gamma-GT levels. Regression models (simple and multiple) were calculated with significant data. Linear correlation was determined between colostrum/milk gamma-GT activity and IgG concentrations and between serum gamma-GT activity and IgG concentrations in lambs on the 0 day. (r: 0.607, P: 0.001), 1st (r: 0.768, P: 0.001) and the 3rd (r: 0.603, P: 0.001) days and on the 1st (r: 0.637, P: 0.001) and 3rd (r: 0.478, P: 0.012) days in the experiment, respectively. Multivariate regression models were developed to estimate sample IgG concentration. Serum and colostrum/milk IgG concentration could be predicted using the formula: lamb serum IgG = 825 + 0.688 (lamb gamma-GT) + 52 (days); colostrum/milk IgG = 832 + 0.505 (colostrum/milk gamma-GT) - 167 (days). The regression models were moderately accurate in predicting serum IgG concentration (R2 = 0.51) and colostrum/milk IgG concentration (R2 = 0.55). Test sensitivity and positive predictive values for serum gamma-GT enzyme activity were found to be 96 and 100% and for colostrum/milk gamma-GT enzyme activity were found to be 100 and 68% to prediction IgG concentration. Serum and colostrum/milk gamma-GT activity can be used to assess passive transfer status of lambs. Along with this, regression models used to calculate serum and colostrum/milk gamma-GT activities found to be useful to estimate sample IgG concentration. The use of serum and colostrum/milk gamma-GT enzyme activity was found useful especially after birth on the 0, 1st and 3rd days.     

Effect of pre‐partum supplementation of vitamin E to Murrah buffaloes on immune functions and viability of calves

This study was undertaken in buffalo neonates born to vitamin E (dl ‐ alpha ‐ tocopherol acetate) ‐ supplemented and non‐supplemented Murrah buffaloes. Calves from vitamin E‐supplemented buffaloes (n = 10; vitamin E ‐supplemented calves [VeC]) and non‐supplemented buffaloes (n = 10; control calves [CC]) constituted the treatment and control groups respectively. Two colostrum samples were taken at the first post‐partum milking and again after 12 h from dams for IgG estimation. Sampling of blood was performed on days 0 (before colostrum feeding), 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98, 112 and 126 post‐birth and analysed for apparent efficiency of absorption (%) of IgG and various immune parameters. Colostral IgG level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in vitamin E‐supplemented buffaloes. The calves in both groups were born hypogammaglobulinemic with IgG level <5 g/l. However, first colostrum feeding resulted in significantly elevated IgG levels (>10 g/l) in calves of both groups at 24 h, which remained high afterwards. Apparent efficiency of absorption (%) of IgG at 24 h was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in VeC than in CC. Plasma Nitric Oxide (NO) levels were significantly elevated in the calves of either group at birth, which declined significantly (p < 0.01) afterwards. Vitamin E feeding to dams had no added effect on NO levels in experimental calves. Total leucocyte counts did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts changed significantly between groups (p < 0.01) and days (p < 0.01), with lymphocytes increasing and neutrophils declining with age. This study revealed that the calves were immunologically immature at birth. Ante‐partum supplementation of vitamin E did not influence plasma NO or IgG but had a significant effect on colostral IgG (p < 0.05). It also improved the apparent efficiency of absorption (%) of IgG at 24 h in VeC as compared to CC.     

Blood and Colostrum/Milk Serum γ‐Glutamyltransferase Activity as a Predictor of Passive Transfer Status in Lambs

The importance of blood and colostrum/milk serum γ‐glutamyl transferase (γ‐GT) enzyme activity was evaluated to assess passive transfer status in healthy lambs. Thirty Akkaraman sheep (3–6 years old) were used which had normal pregnancy period and the same conditions, and the age of the lambs ranged between 0 and 15 days. Blood and colostrum/milk samples were collected from sheep and lambs after birth, before suckling (0) and after on 1st, 3rd, 7th and 15th days. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was determined by the use of Single Radial Immunodiffusion method. Serum γ‐GT activity was measured, using a commercially available kit in blood and colostrum/milk samples. Correlations were carried out between immunoglobulin and γ‐GT levels. Regression models (simple and multiple) were calculated with significant data. Linear correlation was determined between colostrum/milk γ‐GT activity and IgG concentrations and between serum γ‐GT activity and IgG concentrations in lambs on the 0 day. (r: 0.607, P: 0.001), 1st (r: 0.768, P: 0.001) and the 3rd (r: 0.603, P: 0.001) days and on the 1st (r: 0.637, P: 0.001) and 3rd (r: 0.478, P: 0.012) days in the experiment, respectively. Multivariate regression models were developed to estimate sample IgG concentration. Serum and colostrum/milk IgG concentration could be predicted using the formula: lamb serum IgG = 825 + 0.688 (lamb γ‐GT) + 52 (days); colostrum/milk IgG = 832 + 0.505 (colostrum/milk γ‐GT) ? 167 (days). The regression models were moderately accurate in predicting serum IgG concentration (R² = 0.51) and colostrum/milk IgG concentration (R² = 0.55). Test sensitivity and positive predictive values for serum γ‐GT enzyme activity were found to be 96 and 100% and for colostrum/milk γ‐GT enzyme activity were found to be 100 and 68% to prediction IgG concentration. Serum and colostrum/milk γ‐GT activity can be used to assess passive transfer status of lambs. Along with this, regression models used to calculate serum and colostrum/milk γ‐GT activities found to be useful to estimate sample IgG concentration. The use of serum and colostrum/milk γ‐GT enzyme activity was found useful especially after birth on the 0, 1st and 3rd days.     

Colostrum yield and litter performance in multiparous sows subjected to farrowing induction

The consumption of colostrum at a low level can compromise the survival and growth of piglets. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of farrowing induction on colostrum yield, IgG concentration and the survival and performance of piglets until the weaning. Sows of parity 3 to 7 were assigned into two groups: Control (n = 48), sows with spontaneous farrowing; and induction (n = 48), sows induced to farrow on day 114 of gestation with a PGF₂ analogue. Colostrum and blood samples were collected from the sows, at farrowing and 24 hr later. Blood samples from the piglets were collected at 24 hr after birth. The performance of the piglets was evaluated in a subsample of 28 litters from each group. All piglets were weighed at 7, 14 and 20 days of age. The farrowing length, the number of piglets born alive, stillborn piglets, weight at birth, litter weight at birth and colostrum yield were not significantly affected (p > .05) by farrowing induction. There was no difference between the groups (p > .05) in the percentage of sows with obstetric interventions. Serum IgG concentration, in both sows and piglets, and colostrum IgG concentration were similar between the groups (p > .05). Furthermore, survival rate, piglet weight and litter weight at 7, 14 and 20 days of age were also similar between the groups (p > .05). Therefore, it can be concluded that the farrowing induction performed on day 114 of gestation does not affect the colostrum yield, the IgG concentration in colostrum and serum of piglets, and the litter performance until the weaning.