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Determination of serologic and colostral response in late-gestation cows vaccinated with a Mycoplasma bovis bacterin
Christopher D Calloway1, Loren G Schultz, Munashe Chigerwe
1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
Insights
Vaccinating pregnant cows against Mycoplasma bovis boosted antibody levels in colostrum but not milk. This vaccination strategy may not fully protect calves from M. bovis infection via colostrum.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary immunology
- Bovine infectious diseases
- Maternal immunization
Background:
- Mycoplasma bovis is a significant pathogen in cattle, causing respiratory and mastitis issues.
- Passive immunity transfer from dam to calf via colostrum is crucial for neonatal calf health.
- Effective vaccination strategies during gestation are needed to enhance calf immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of vaccinating late-gestation dairy cows against Mycoplasma bovis.
- To determine the impact of maternal vaccination on Mycoplasma bovis-specific IgG(1) concentrations in serum, colostrum, and milk.
Main Methods:
- 78 dairy cows were used in a controlled study.
- Cows were vaccinated during late gestation, with serum, colostrum, and milk samples collected at various time points.
- Anti-M. bovis IgG(1) concentrations were measured using standardized assays.
Main Results:
- Vaccinated cows showed significantly higher anti-M. bovis IgG(1) concentrations in serum and colostrum compared to control cows.
- Colostrum from vaccinated dams contained elevated levels of M. bovis-specific IgG(1).
- No significant difference in IgG(1) concentrations was observed in milk between vaccinated and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Maternal vaccination against Mycoplasma bovis during late gestation effectively increases antibody levels in colostrum.
- While colostral antibody concentrations are elevated, this may not be sufficient to guarantee protection for calves against M. bovis infection.
- Further research is needed to optimize vaccination protocols for comprehensive calf protection.
Objective:
To determine whether vaccinating cows during late gestation against Mycoplasma bovis will result in adequate concentrations of M bovis-specific IgG(1) in serum, colostrum, and milk.
Animals:
78 dairy cows.
Procedures:
Serum samples were obtained 60 and 39 days prior to expected parturition in vaccinated and control cows from a single herd. Serum and colostrum samples were also obtained at parturition. Milk samples were obtained 7 to 14 days after parturition. Samples were analyzed for anti-M bovis IgG(1) concentrations.
Results:
Prior to vaccination, control and vaccinated cows had similar anti-M bovis IgG(1) concentrations. After initial vaccination and subsequent booster and at parturition, there was a significant difference between the 2 groups, with vaccinated cows having higher IgG concentrations. Colostrum from vaccinated cows had higher anti-M bovis IgG(1) concentrations, compared with control cows; however, IgG(1) concentrations in milk did not differ between the 2 groups.
Conclusions And Clinical Relevance:
Vaccination of late-gestation cows resulted in increased concentrations of anti-M bovis IgG(1) in colostrum. However, ingestion of colostrum by calves may not guarantee protection against M bovis infection.
