Frequency of Neospora caninum infections in beef cow-calf operations under extensive management

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequencies of Neospora caninum horizontal and vertical transmissions in beef cow-calf operations under three different extensive management systems: group A: 0.75 head per hectare pasturing on natural grass; group B: 1.1 head per hectare on natural grass and improved cultured pastures; and group C: 2 head per hectare on natural grass, improved cultured pasture and whole corn silage. Serum samples from 72 multiparous cows assigned to each beef cow-calf operations were obtained every 3 months during 2 years. A group of 30 replacement heifers from each group were tested similarly since they were 10-21 months old. Twenty four, 20 and 34 calves from groups A, B and C respectively, were bled before colostrum intake and again 6 months later. The samples were analyzed by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for detection of total IgG against N. caninum at a serological titre ≥ 200 for multiparous cows and replacement heifers, and a serological titre ≥ 25 for calves. Serum samples from seropositive cows were assessed by ELISA to evaluate the avidity of their specific antibodies. There were no differences in the proportion of seropositive cows from groups A, B and C at the beginning of the trial (p>0.05). Interestingly, the lowest serological titres in seropositive cows from all groups were observed during the first trimester (p<0.05). Although seropositive cows had medium to high avidity antibodies, suggesting chronic infection; seroconversion associated with low antibody avidity was found in 2, 3 and 3 seropositive cows from groups A, B and C. All replacement heifers remained seronegative. No abortions were recorded but 2, 1, and 2 calves from groups A, B and C were seropositive before colostrum intake, respectively. Seropositive calves born from cows having intermediate or high avidity remained with the same serostatus at 6 months of age. Even under varying extensive management conditions, both N. caninum horizontal and vertical transmission methods do occur in beef cow-calf operations.