Passive immunity of the G. I. tract

The need for continued pursuit to identify all of the components necessary for effective passive immunity is obvious. With a focus upon natural phenomenon, we need to expand our understanding of antigenic modulation while determining the distribution of specific antibodies among the various isotypes available in lacteal secretions and capable of transfer to the intestinal tract of the neonate and broaden the scope of investigations to include the significance of cell mediated immune mechanisms present in lacteal secretions. Passively acquired immunocytes, plasma cells, macrophages and polymorphonuclear leucocytes may contribute to the immune status of suckling ruminants.