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Absorption of Colostral Immunoglobulins in Newborn Calves¹

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74074

ABSTRACT

Passive immunity to some infectious agents is transferred from the cow to calf via colostrum. Transfer is by an apical tubular system in the intestinal absorptive cells for a limited time after birth. Uptake of macromolecules into the cells appears to nonselective; however, some substances are not transferred to the blood. Cessation of transfer of material from the epithelial cells to blood occurs spontaneously at a progressively increased rate after 12 h of age with mean closure time at approximately 24 h. Proportions of the different classes of immunoglobulins in serum of calves after ingestion of colostrum reflect the proportions in colostrum when absorption is completed.

Variation among calves in serum concentration of immune is wide. Amount of total -globulin or IgG ingested per unit of body weight soon after birth is the most important factor determining concentration of these in serum. In contrast, efficiency of absorption of IgM decreases as intake increases, so that ingestion of a larger amount of IgM does not increase the absolute amount absorbed. Absorption efficiency is decreased when ingestion of first colostrum is delayed, indicating the importance of colostrum intake soon after birth. Even more important is that transmigration of pathogenic bacteria can be prevented by colostrum in the intestinal lumen.

¹ Journal Article 3658 of the Agricultural Experiment Station, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74074.

² Animal Science Department.

³ Department of Physiological Sciences.

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