Influence of injectable immunoglobulin on serum immunoglobulin concentrations in dairy calves

The influence of a purified Ig preparation on morbidity, mortality, and performance of purchased calves was evaluated. Calves (n = 187) were 3 to 8 d of age and were infused i.v. (blocks 1 and 2) or s.c. (blocks 3 and 4) with a purified Ig preparation derived from bovine blood that was obtained from an abattoir (n = 88) or were infused with 0.9% NaCl saline (n = 99). The Ig solution was purified by column chromatography and (NH4)2SO4 precipitation (blocks 1 and 2) or by column chromatography only (blocks 3 and 4). Calves were infused with 504 g of Ig solution containing a mean of 47 g of IgG. Serum IgG concentrations at 24 h postinfusion increased 2.9 g/L when calves in blocks 1 and 2 were infused with Ig, but concentrations declined when calves in blocks 3 and 4 were infused with Ig or when calves were infused with NaCl saline. Total protein in serum increased with infusion of Ig in blocks 1 and 2 also. Serum urea N increased when calves in blocks 3 and 4 were infused with Ig. Mean BW at 28 d after arrival, BW gain, DMI, mortality, and scour scores were unaffected by treatment. Infusion of Ig increased the concentration of serum IgG but was dependent on the method of processing. Increased serum Ig did not markedly influence incidence or severity of disease in young dairy calves.