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Bovine Immunoglobulins: A Review

Dairy Products Laboratory, Eastern Utilization Research and Development Division, Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 20250

ABSTRACT

Three classes of immunoglobulins have been identified in the cow: IgG, IgA, and IgM. The IgG immunoglobulins can be divided into two subclasses, IgG1 and IgG2. IgG1 is selectively transported by the udder from the circulation to the lacteal secretions by a mechanism yet to be elucidated. Hence, IgG1 is the principal immunoglobulin for passive immunization of the calf. IgG1 also fixes complement and sensitizes bovine skin. IgG2 appears more homogeneous than IgG1 and occurs in high concentrations in bovine serum. Bovine IgM occurs in serum, colostrum, and milk. IgM is important in the primary immune response, complement fixation, and as an agglutinating antibody of the serum. IgM seems to be especially associated with parasitic infections of Anaplasma. Bovine IgA occurs as "secretory IgA" in milk and colostrum. Whether secretory IgA, or any other immunoglobulin, is synthesized locally is unknown. Also unknown is the precise role that each immunoglobulin plays in bovine pathology.

Transfer of immunity to the offspring is by way of the milk and colostrum, and there is sufficient evidence that colostrum is necessary for immunity to disease. Although IgG1 is selectively concentrated by the bovine mammary tissue, no selectivity has been demonstrated for the highly permeable calf's gut. The reason for the failure of some calves to absorb colostral immunoglobulins is unknown.

Additional research endeavors into the distribution, genetics, function, and synthesis of the bovine immunoglobulins are most needed.

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