Observations of absorption of immunolactoglobulins in calves

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether administration of one liter of stilulated saliva from a healthy cow as first food to newborn calves blocks absorption of immunolactoglobulins administered later in colostrum or milk. The study material consisted of 12 calves, divided into two groups, one of which received colostrum, and the other milk. Blood samples were drawn immediately after birth and 3 and 6 hours after administration of saliva and 3 and 6 hours after administration of colostrum (group I) or milk (group II). Only some of the calves of each group absorbed immunolactoglobulins from colostrum or milk. In these calves, immunoglobulins could be demonstrated in their serum as early as 3 hours after birth. Absorption of immunolactoglobulins was independent of their concentration in food as their levels were similar in calves fed colostrum or milk. The experiment failed, however, to give an unequivocal answer to the question whether feeding calves before the first administration of colostrum restricts or inhibits absorption of immunolactoglobulins from colostrum.