#Down in bermuda igg portable#

The cut point defining adequacy of passive transfer was 48 hour serum IgG concentrations >1340 mg/dl based on previous studies. Mean ± standard error of mean for calf weight and colostral volume produced by the dam also were calculated. Mean colostral IgG concentrations (g/L) and standard error of mean for cows in their first, second, third or greater lactation were calculated.

Colostral and total serum IgG concentrations were determined using adaptations of a previously reported radial immunodiffusion (RID) techniques. Samples were stored at -20☌ until processed for serum immunoglobulin determinations. Thereafter, all calves were fed 2 L of a commercial milk replacer every 12 hrs. A single feeding of colostrum was administered once by oroesophageal intubation. Equal numbers of calves received 1, 2 ,3 or 4 liters of their dam's colostrum and equal numbers of calves received colostrum at 2, 6, 10, 14, 18 or 22 hours of age. The calves were randomly assigned without replacement to specific combinations of treatments (age of calf at feeding colostrum and volume of colostrum administered).

#Down in bermuda igg portable#

Cows were milked within 2 hours after parturition using a portable milking machine. Only calves whose births were observed were included in the study. After parturition, calves were immediately separated from their dams, weighed and identified. One-hundred-twenty (120) Holstein bull calves resulting from observed calvings were drawn from the University of Missouri Foremost Teaching and Research Dairy. The second objective was to evaluate the impact of calf age at time of colostrum administration, volume of colostrum administered, colostrum IgG concentration, dam parity, colostrum weight produced by the dam, calf weight and their interactions on transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in dairy calves. The first objective of this study was to determine the amount of colostral IgG required for adequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in calves fed colostrum by oroesophageal tubing. Thus, either the total immunoglobulin mass being fed to the calves is inadequate or colostrum administration practices require more concerted effort than most farmers perform. 5,15 Based on this observed high prevalence of failure of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in calves, we hypothesized that current recommendations regarding colostrum feeding practices are inadequate. 4 Despite the accumulated understanding of the factors which affect passive transfer and the recognized importance of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in dairy calves, approximately 35-40% of US dairy calves have inadequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. 4 Administration of 3 to 4 L of colostrum by oroesophageal tube has been recommended to ensure sufficient IgG mass is delievered. Lower failure of passive transfer rates have been reported in calves fed colostrum by oroesophageal tube, relative to bottle fed calves or calves allowed to nurse from their dams. 4,13,14 However, this goal was based upon anecdotal or clinical observations rather than controlled studies. 11,12 Previous reports have recommended that calves ingest at least 100 g of colostral IgG for adequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins. 7Ĭolostrum administration practices which affect serum immunoglobulin concentration in calves include the timing of colostrum administration, 8,9 the volume of colostrum fed, the method of administration, 4 timing of colostral collection, 10 colostral IgG concentration 11 and dam parity. Failure of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins (FPT) is responsible for approximately one-half of calf death losses on US dairy farms. 5,6 Additionally, decreased rate of gain, 2 lower milk production 3 and decreased first lactation survival 3 have been reported in calves with failure of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins.

1-6 Calves with inadequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins have increased risk for mortality in the first 3 months of life. Several studies have described the importance of the ingestion and absorption of colostral immunoglobulins on the morbidity, mortality, growth and future productivity of dairy calves. Books & VINcyclopedia of Diseases (Formerly Associate).VINcyclopedia of Diseases (Formerly Associate).