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Absorption of Colostral Immnunoglobulins by Newborn Dairy Calves¹

Department of Animal Sciences and Industry

E. W. Jones

Clinical Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74074

ABSTRACT

Twenty-seven calves obtained at birth were fed colostrum at 2.5% of body weight immediately and at 12 hours after birth, and at 3.75% of weight at 24 and 36 hours. Blood samples were taken at 3, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 168 hours after birth. Colostrum samples taken at parturition and at 12 and 24 hours were available from 19 cows.

Average blood serum immunoglobulin increased from .29 g per 100 ml before initial feeding to 1.54 g per 100 ml at 24 hours, and declined slowly thereafter. Approximately 68% of the variation in blood serum Ig in calves at 24 hours could be attributed to differences in Ig consumed per unit of weight. It was estimated that 45% of Ig ingested immediately after birth and at 12 hours was absorbed prior to 24 hours.

¹ Journal Article 2230 of the Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. This research was supported in part by Grant A1 6461 from the Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. Public Health Service.

² Present address: Department of Animal Sciences, San Carlos University, Guatemala City, Guatemala.