Serum anti-trichostrongyle antibody responses fo first and second season grazing calves

Serum anti-Ostertagia ostertagi and anti-Cooperia oncophora antibody responses were assessed in first season and second season calves grazing permanent paddocks. Calves without previous exposure to trichostrongyles were found to mount significant parasite-specific IgG1 antibody responses within two months of introduction to the pastures. A significant serum IgA response to O ostertagi and IgG2 responses to both O ostertagi and C oncophora antigens were also observed, but these responses were weaker. No consistent serum anti-trichostrongyle IgM responses were discernible in either age group. Second season grazing calves had significantly elevated IgG1, IgG2 and IgA antibody levels at turnout when compared to first season calves, but only IgA antibody levels against O ostertagi increased during the second grazing season. Comparison of serum antibody levels in first and second season calves grazed separately or together suggests that mixed grazing had no discernible effect on antigen priming.