Relationships between acid-base balance, serum composition and colostrum absorption in newborn calves
The British Veterinary Journal
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Apparently healthy newborn calves with high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia) showed reduced absorption of essential immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) from colostrum. This suggests a link between respiratory acidosis and impaired passive immunity transfer in calves.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Neonatal Calf Health
- Animal Immunology
Background:
- Newborn calves often exhibit subclinical respiratory acidosis.
- Colostrum is vital for passive immunity transfer in neonates.
- Factors influencing colostral immunoglobulin absorption require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between pre-feeding blood gas status and colostral immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) absorption in newborn Holstein bull calves.
- To identify potential indicators of impaired passive immunity transfer in apparently healthy neonatal calves.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven Holstein bull calves were fed pooled colostrum stored at -20°C.
- Blood gas analysis (pH, PCO2, bicarbonate, base excess) was performed pre-feeding.
- Serum IgG1 levels were measured post-feeding.
- Correlations between pre-feeding parameters and post-absorptive IgG1 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Most calves presented with partially compensated respiratory acidosis pre-feeding.
- Mean serum IgG1 increased significantly post-colostrum feeding.
- Positive correlations were found between post-absorptive IgG1 and serum proteins, IgM, gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma GT), and D-xylose.
- Low serum albumin, high serum creatine kinase (CK), or low serum gamma GT pre-feeding were associated with reduced IgG1 absorption.
Conclusions:
- Reduced IgG1 absorption from colostrum is linked to hypercapnia in apparently healthy newborn calves.
- Pre-feeding clinical and biochemical parameters may predict colostral protein absorption efficiency.
- This highlights the importance of assessing passive immunity in neonatal calves, even when clinically normal.
Related Concept Videos
01:31pH Homeostasis
Acid-base homeostasis is essential for maintaining normal physiological activities in humans. The pH of various body fluids is strictly regulated because it is critical for the optimal activity of enzymes involved in metabolic reactions. Enzymes are basically proteins, so, any significant change in pH can affect their structure and activity. In humans, pH is regulated using three primary mechanisms— chemical buffer systems, respiratory regulation, and renal regulation.
Respiratory Regulation of...
Respiratory Regulation of...
01:25Acid-Base Balance
The human body maintains a narrow pH range regulated through acid-base balance. This balance is crucial as changes in the hydrogen ion concentration can disrupt cell membrane stability, alter protein structures, and change enzyme activities. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.4, venous blood and interstitial fluid is 7.35, and intracellular fluid averages 7.0.
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
01:29Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
Metabolic reactions in the body produce nonvolatile acids, such as sulfuric acid, which generate an acid load of approximately 1 mEq of H+ per kilogram of body weight daily. Excreting H+ in the urine is essential to balance this acid load.
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
01:29Disorders of Acid-Base Balance
The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
01:24Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and HCO3− values are examined to...
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and HCO3− values are examined to...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...