[Immunoglobulin transfer in the viable, newborn calf]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary immunology
• Neonatal calf physiology
• Dairy science

Context:

• Assessing passive immunity transfer in newborn dairy calves is crucial for calf health and survival.
• Colostrum is the primary source of passive immunity for calves.
• Variability in colostrum composition and calf intake affects immunoglobulin absorption.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the relationship between colostrum composition and immunoglobulin absorption in newborn dairy calves.
• To determine the impact of colostrum intake on neonatal calf blood parameters and overall viability.
• To analyze the transfer index of various immunoglobulins (TP, IG, IGG1, IGM, IGE) and its correlation with calf health outcomes.

Summary:

• Blood and colostrum samples from 26 dairy calves were analyzed for various parameters, including immunoglobulins (IG), total proteins (TP), and albumin, before and after colostrum intake.
• A transfer index was calculated to assess the absorption of TP, IG, IGG1, IGM, and IGE. High individual differences were observed, with no clear relation to milk content or feeding time.
• Total proteins showed a strong correlation with serum IGG1 concentrations after the first feeding. Vital calves demonstrated compensation mechanisms for suboptimal colostrum intake, maintaining normal weight gain and health at 24 hours.

Impact:

• Findings highlight the critical role of colostrum quality and quantity in establishing passive immunity in calves.
• Understanding these dynamics can inform strategies to improve calf health management and reduce neonatal mortality in dairy herds.
• The study provides insights into the complex interplay between maternal factors, neonatal physiology, and immune development in calves.