Assaying the concentration of immunoglobulin G in colostrum from females postpartum and serum from neonatal calves of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

Neonatal ruminants are born without any humoral immunity due to lack of placental transfer of immunoglobulins during gestation. This predisposes the newborn buffalo calves to a high incidence of morbidity and mortality on exposure to infectious agents. Colostrum is the first milk produced by the females after calving and is a rich source of immunoglobulins, especially immunoglobulin G (IgG). The immunocompetence of the neonates can be boosted by feeding them sufficient amount of good quality colostrum within a few hours after birth. Optimal colostrum management at a farm not only reduces the occurrence of diseases among the younger stock but also enhances their growth performance and productivity once they are adults. In the present study, eighty animals at a Murrah buffalo farm were screened for the concentration of IgG in the colostrum collected from recently parturated females and in the serum collected from their calves within 6 to 12 h of colostrum consumption to determine the status of transfer of passive immunity. Indirect ELISA was used to estimate the IgG levels. The overall mean (range) of colostral and serum IgG concentration was found to be 50.44±3.36 (12.71 to 227.78) and 10.85±0.62 (0.25 to 19.88) mg/ml, respectively for all the 80 animals. Routine screening of buffaloes, in a similar way, will help to reduce calf deaths due to immunodeficiency.