The detection of rotavirus specific antibody in colostrum and milk by ELISA

The blocking method of ELISA for the detection and titration of rotavirus-specific antibody in colostrum is described. The results obtained were positively correlated with those of a neutralizing antibody test. On one farm colostrum samples were obtained over a period of 18 months. No relationship was found between the titer of colostrum obtained shortly after calving, and the development of rotavirus-associated diarrhoea in calves. On a second farm only samples obtained during the calving season were tested. Within this restricted period high colostral antibody titers appeared to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea among calves and to delay the onset of rotavirus excretion in the faeces. These results are discussed in relation to the rapid decline in antibody content of colostrum after calving.