Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Intranasal Immunization and Milk Collection in Studies of Maternal Immunization in New Zealand White Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus
Published on: July 31, 2021
Immunoglobulin G concentration in canine colostrum: Evaluation and variability
Hanna Mila1, Alexandre Feugier2, Aurélien Grellet2
1Université de Toulouse, INP, ENVT, UMR 1225, IHAP, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076 Toulouse, France; INRA, UMR1225, IHAP, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076 Toulouse, France; Royal Canin, 650 Avenue de la Petite Camargue, Aimargues, France.
Canine colostrum quality varies significantly between individual dogs and even between mammary glands on the same dog. This variability impacts newborn puppy immunity and survival, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Canine Reproduction
Background:
- Canine neonates are born with low immunoglobulin levels (hypogammaglobulinemic).
- Colostrum provides essential immunoglobulins for neonatal immunity in puppies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immune quality of canine colostrum, specifically immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration.
- To investigate the variability of colostrum immune quality within individual bitches and among their mammary glands.
Main Methods:
- Colostrum and blood samples were collected from 44 bitches of 13 breeds one day post-parturition.
- Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was measured using ELISA.
- Correlation between IgG concentration and refractometry (BRIX index, refractive index) was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Mean colostrum IgG concentration was 20.8 ± 8.1 g/L, with wide individual variation (8.0–41.7 g/L).
- Colostrum IgG concentration varied significantly among mammary glands within a single bitch (42 ± 32.1% coefficient of variation).
- BRIX index and refractive index showed moderate correlation with IgG concentration (r=0.53 and 0.42).
Conclusions:
- Canine colostrum exhibits substantial variability in immune quality among bitches and within mammary glands of the same bitch.
- Further research is needed on puppy suckling behavior and minimum colostrum immune quality to understand the impact on neonatal mortality.
