Colostral Immunoglobulin Research Articles

Investigating the IgM and IgG B Cell Receptor Repertoires and Expression of Ultralong Complementarity Determining Region 3 in Colostrum and Blood from Holstein-Friesian Cows at Calving.

In cattle, colostral maternal immunoglobulins and lymphocytes transfer across the neonate's intestinal epithelium to provide protection against pathogens. This study aimed to compare repertoires of B cell populations in blood and colostrum in cows for the first time, with an emphasis on ultralong complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3, ≥40 amino acids). Blood mononuclear cells (BMCs, n= 7) and colostral cells (n = 7) were isolated from Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Magnetic-activated cell sorting was used to capture IgM and IgG B cells from BMCs. Colostral cells were harvested by centrifugation. RNA was extracted and cDNA was produced; IgM and IgG transcripts were amplified using polymerase chain reactions. Amplicons were sequenced using the Nanopore Native barcoding kit 24 V14 and MinION with R10.4 flow cells. In colostrum, there was a significantly greater percentage of IgM B cells with ultralong CDR3s (8.09% ± 1.73 standard error of the mean) compared to blood (4.22% ± 0.70, p = 0.05). There was a significantly greater percentage of IgG B cells in colostrum with ultralong CDR3s (12.98% ± 1.98) compared to blood (6.61% ± 1.11, p = 0.05). A higher percentage of IgM and IgG B cells with ultralong CDR3s in colostrum may be indicative of a potential role in protecting the neonate.

Effect of Postbiotic Supplementation on Nutrient Digestibility and Milk Yield during the Transition Period in Dairy Cows.

The metabolites secreted by probiotics or released after their lysis are called postbiotics. They provide physiological benefits to the host, preventing the colonisation of pathogens by improving the intestinal environment for beneficial commensal bacteria, which reduces the incidence of digestive disorders and improves the immune system. The aim of this work was to evaluate the addition of postbiotics to dairy cow rations during the transition period on nutrient digestibility, composition, and milk yield. The effects of two postbiotics were evaluated in twelve Friesian cows from 30 days before calving to two months of lactation. The animals were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: control (CT) and supplemented with postbiotics (PC and PR). Feeding was ad libitum with 60/40 of forage/concentrate ratio on dry matter basis. Daily feed intake and milk production were recorded individually throughout the study. Two digestibility balances were performed, one before parturition and one after parturition. Colostrum was sampled at first milking and milk was sampled weekly. Data were analysed using a mixed mode in R software 4.4.1. The results suggest that postbiotic supplementation in late gestation and early lactation increase the voluntary intake of dry matter, especially in the PR treatment, with higher apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre. Both treatments including postbiotics induced an increase in colostral immunoglobulin concentration. Milk production of cows receiving the PC treatment was the highest, with high fat and protein yields and a higher persistence of the production curve throughout the lactation.

PSIII-11 Impacts of late gestational in utero heat stress on small intestine dynamics of neonatal dairy calves

Abstract Late gestation heat stress in dairy cows has been shown to negatively affect offspring growth and development. In utero heat stressed calves have altered small intestine morphology and an impaired ability to absorb colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG). Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize potential cellular and molecular alterations in the small intestine of neonatal in utero heat stressed calves. In the last ~56 d of gestation pregnant dams were either heat stressed (shade; n = 41) or cooled (shade, fans, soakers; n = 41) resulting in heifers that were in utero heat stressed (IUHS, n = 15) or in utero cooled (IUCL, n = 15). Heifers were fed 3.78 L of high-quality colostrum within 2 h of birth. Apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) of IgG was calculated by measuring IgG content fed in colostrum and in 24 h serum. Within 4.6 ± 2.3 h of birth a subset of calves (n = 8/treatment) not fed colostrum were euthanized to collect samples from the ileum. Tissue for histological analysis was placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin before being dehydrated, embedded in paraffin, cut into 5 μm thicknesses, and mounted to glass slides. The TUNEL method was used to identify apoptotic cells using the Keyence BZ-X800 Microscope. Tissue for gene expression analysis was snap-frozen and kept at -80°C before RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. The transcript abundance of endosomal (FCGRT, DAB2, MAMDC4), tight junction (ZO1, ZO2, ZO3, OCLN, CLDN1), and heat shock (HSP90, HSF1) related genes were measured by qPCR using the CFX96 Real-Time PCR detection System (BIO-RAD). Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED or PROC GLIMMIX depending on the response variable. TUNEL results are expressed as the proportion of positive cells to total cells. Quantitative PCR data were analyzed by assessing the estimates of the model relative to the geometric mean of 3 reference genes (ACTB, GADPH, RSP9; ΔΔCT). The concentration of colostrum IgG fed to calves was not different (136.1 vs. 122.5 g/L; IUHS vs. IUCL, respectively; P = 0.32), but AEA of IgG was reduced in IUHS relative to IUCL calves (23.5 vs. 33.3%; P < 0.01). The proportion of apoptotic cells within the villi of the ileum was increased in IUHS calves compared with IUCL (2.11 vs. 1.57%; P < 0.01). Ileum gene transcript abundance of DAB2 and MAMDC4 were increased (P < 0.01), while FCGRT transcripts tended to increase in IUHS calves (P = 0.08). All tight junction and heat shock-related gene transcripts were increased within the ileum of IUHS calves (P ≤ 0.02) with the exceptions of CLDN1 and HSP90, which were not different between treatments (P ≥ 0.22).These results suggest that exposure to heat stress in utero impact small intestine integrity after birth and affect key IgG transporters, providing insight into underlying mechanisms responsible for reduced IgG absorption in IUHS calves.

Effect of Body Weight and Age at Puberty and Mating on Subsequent Gilt Development Weights, Litter Traits, and Colostral Immunoglobulin G of the F1 Large White X Landrace Gilts

Effect of Body Weight and Age at Puberty and Mating on Subsequent Gilt Development Weights, Litter Traits, and Colostral Immunoglobulin G of the F1 Large White X Landrace Gilts

Determination of minimum individual cow colostral immunoglobulin G concentration required to provide adequate total immunoglobulin G mass in pooled colostrum fed to Jersey calves.

Quantify the minimum individual cow colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration required for pooling to achieve adequate transfer of passive immunity in calves. 201 Jersey cows. Colostrum was collected from 28 pools and heat treated before being fed to calves or stored. Parity, total number of cows contributing to the pool, individual cow colostral volume contributions, and total volume of each colostrum pool were recorded. Colostrum IgG concentrations in individual and pooled (pre- and post-heat treatment) samples were analyzed by radial immunodiffusion and Brix refractometry. Colostral IgG concentration of ≥ 50g/L was considered the current recommended dairy industry standard for acceptable colostrum quality. Multivariable models were performed to determine factors affecting pooled colostral IgG concentrations. The minimum colostral IgG concentration required for pooling to achieve the recommended total mass of at least 200g IgG to be fed to a calf was calculated. Total pool volume and the number of cows contributing to the pool were significant factors affecting IgG concentration. Colostrum pools from ≤ 7 cows, with a minimum pool IgG concentration of 70.4 g/L (22.9% Brix) or colostrum pool volume ≤ 40 L, with a minimum pool IgG concentration of 66.2 g/L (21.8% Brix) achieved the recommended total mass of at least 200g IgG in 4L of colostrum. When feeding pooled colostrum, IgG concentrations higher than the industry standard of 50 g/L is recommended to reduce the risk of failure of transfer of passive immunity in calves.

Impact of the mare colostral immunoglobulins on the expression of TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7 in foals.

Colostrum contains substances such as hormones, enzymes, polyamides, nucleic acid derivatives, and amino acid derivatives and also includes immunomodulating substances, proline-rich polypeptides, immunoglobulins (Ig) as well as bacteriostatic compounds. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of colostral Ig on the level of expression of selected Toll-like receptor genes (TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7). The experiments were conducted on 25 Polish Pony foals. Blood samples were collected according to the following scheme: before first suckling, at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 10th, 20th, and 30th, day of age. Colostrum was obtained before the first suckling, 24 hr, and 3 days after the delivery. Gene expression analyses were performed on Illumina Eco using a commercial kit TaqMan®MGB probes. The quality of colostrum was assessed via refractometer and BRIX value. The total Ig level was calculated from the spectrophotometric method. IgG levels were measured using ELISA assay. The quality of colostrum significantly correlated with TLR4 and TLR7 expression. Foals that ingested colostrum with low Ig content displayed a higher level of TLR4 gene expression, while in the case of TLR7 the opposite trend was shown. This result indicates that colostrum may play an important role in shaping the mechanisms of building the immune system's response to bacterial pathogens.

Difructose Anhydride and Passive Immunity Effects on Passive Immune Transfer and Performance of Feeding Difructose Anhydride to Neonatal Calves.

The objective of this study was to assess the potential effects of supplementing difructose anyhdride III (DFAIII) during the first days of life on the absorption of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and growth performance of calves early in life fed colostrum with a high IgG concentration. Sixty-six healthy new-born Holstein calves were randomly assigned to three treatments consisting of no supplementation (control), supplementation of 12 g/d (DFA12), or 36 g/d (DFA36) of DFAIII during the first 7 d of life via colostrum and milk replacer (MR). Calves were separated from dams at birth and bottle-fed colostrum in two meals, each targeting 2.5 L within the first 18 h of birth. Colostrum had been previously collected from other dams (and preserved frozen) within the first 2 h of calving and had a Brix value ≥32%. Daily consumption of starter concentrate and MR (and colostrum on the first day) were individually monitored. Calves were body weighed using an electronic scale at birth and on a weekly basis thereafter until the end of study at 42 d of age. A sample of colostrum fed to each calf and a blood sample from the jugular vein of the calves were collected at 12 and 24 h of life to determine the IgG concentration. The mean colostrum IgG concentration fed in the current study was 110 ± 33.7 g/L (mean ± SD). No differences in animal performance were found among the treatments. Calves on all treatments consumed the same amount of colostrum with a similar concentration of IgG, and thus the amount of IgG consumed was also similar. Serum IgG concentrations were greater at 24 than at 12 h but did not differ among treatments. However, the apparent efficiency of absorption of colostral immunoglobulins was greater in DFA12 and DFA36 at 12 h of life than in control calves, with no differences observed at 24 h. Even when feeding high-quality colostrum, in terms of IgG concentration, supplementation with difructose anhydride III may pose an additional advantage in promoting the passive transfer of immunoglobulins in neonatal Holstein calves during the first 12 h of life.

Comparison of turbidometric immunoassay and brix refractometry to radial immunodiffusion for assessment of colostral immunoglobulin concentration in beef cattle.

Colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration is critical to the attainment of adequate transfer of passive immunity in cattle, however, studies comparing available tools for measurement of colostral IgG concentration in beef cattle are limited. To report the agreement between 3 commercially available tests for evaluating IgG concentration in beef colostrum. Two hundred six beef-breed cows hospitalized for calving management or dystocia. Retrospective study to assess IgG of whole colostrum measured stall-side via turbidimetric immunoassay (TI) and brix refractometry (BRIX), compared to fat separated (FS) analysis via single radial-immunodiffusion (RID; reference standard), TI-FS and BRIX-FS. Test performance was assessed using Passing Bablock regression, Bland-Altman analysis, and area under the curve to determine optimal thresholds. Correlation between RID and TI-FS, BRIX-FS, or BRIX was similar (Spearman's ρ = 0.717, 0.715, 0.716, respectively) but correlation for TI was poor (ρ = 0.586). Regression analysis identified a substantial constant (-214.75 [CI: -272.03 to -178.07]) and proportional (13.24 [CI: 11.81-15.37]) bias between the RID and TI-FS which was similar for TI. TI-FS concentrations of 28.47, 38.75, and 50.62 g/L, BRIX-FS of ≤21.9%, ≤24.0%, and ≤27.4%, and BRIX of ≤21.3%, ≤23.8%, and ≤26.4% indicated IgG concentrations <50, <100, and <150 g/L, respectively; appropriate cutoffs for TI could not be generated. Both TI and TI-FS demonstrated a large constant and proportional bias compared to RID; BRIX and BRIX-FS were well correlated with RID and remain a reliable method for estimation of colostral IgG concentration in beef cattle.

A meta-analysis of the effects of colostrum heat treatment on colostral viscosity, immunoglobulin G concentration, and the transfer of passive immunity in newborn dairy calves

Newborn ruminants depend on colostrum intake immediately after birth to obtain immunoglobulins for effective transfer of passive immunity (TPI). As colostrum may also be a vehicle of infectious agents, heat treatment of raw colostrum is a practice aimed at eliminating or reducing its pathogen load. Despite the usefulness of heat treatment in preventing the transmission of infectious colostrum-borne diseases, heat treatment of colostrum may have some side effects. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize the effects of colostrum heat treatment on colostral viscosity and IgG concentration, and serum IgG concentration as a proxy for TPI in newborn calves fed raw versus heat-treated colostrum. Moderators were studied to identify sources of heterogeneity. Literature databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 1946 and 2022. A Master of Science thesis was also included. Five, 21, and 19 original publications were quantitatively evaluated in 3 separate meta-analyses, based on predefined selection criteria. Two-level and 3-level random-effects meta-analysis revealed a significant overall effect of heat treatment on colostral viscosity and IgG concentration, and serum IgG concentration in newborns. Heat-treated colostrum had significantly higher viscosity (21.0 cP, 95% CI: 3.8 to 38.2) and lower IgG concentration (-7.4 g/L, 95% CI: -11.1 to -3.7) compared with raw colostrum. Overall, newborn calves fed heat-treated colostrum had higher serum IgG concentrations (2.8 g/L, 95% CI: 1.4 to 4.0) 24-48 h after birth than those fed with raw colostrum. Particularly, this positive effect on the serum IgG concentrations was seen when colostrum was heat-treated at ≤60°C (2.9 g/L, 95% CI: 0.9 to 4.2) and when the standard low-temperature low-time (LTLT) method was used for heat treatment (2.6 g/L, 95% CI: 0.1 to 5.1). Colostrum treated at >60-63.5°C tended to have higher viscosity (275.6 cP, 95% CI: -37.9 to 589.3) and had lower IgG concentration (-21.7 g/L, 95% CI: -27.3 to -16.1). Calves fed colostrum treated at this temperature range had significantly lower serum IgG (-4.2 g/L, 95% CI: -7.9 to -0.4) compared with those fed raw colostrum. Heat treatment of colostrum at 72-76°C was not associated with a significant increase in colostral viscosity (6.3 cP, 95% CI: -324.3 to 336.9) nor a reduction in IgG colostral concentration (-13.1 g/L, 95% CI: -26.5 to 0.2), but calves fed colostrum treated at this temperature range had a significant reduction in serum IgG (-11.3 g/L, 95% CI: -17.1 to -5.4). Feeding newborn calves with colostrum heat-treated at ≤60°C by the standard LTLT method, particularly within 2 h after birth, resulted in increased serum IgG concentration at 24-48 h of age. Importantly, delaying feeding of heat-treated colostrum to newborns beyond 2 h of age resulted in no significant difference in IgG serum levels compared with feeding raw colostrum, highlighting the importance of early administration of heat-treated colostrum to favor TPI. On-farm colostrum heat treating should achieve an equilibrium between pathogen elimination and the preservation of colostral immunoglobulins while minimizing undesired increases in viscosity. The beneficial effects of colostrum heat treatment on TPI can be negligible if colostrum feeding is not performed within 2 h after birth.

Transfer of passive immunity and survival in Jersey heifer calves fed heat-treated pooled colostrum.

Acquisition of adequate transfer of passive immunity (ATPI) by calves depends on the absorption of sufficient mass of colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG). Several studies report conflicting evidence regarding the ability of feeding pooled colostrum to achieve ATPI. Pooling colostrum is practical and efficient for some dairies, and recommendations are required to prevent failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in calves following pooling. This study aimed to determine the effect of pooling colostrum on serum IgG concentrations, FTPI, and preweaning mortality in calves. A prospective study was performed on two conventional Jersey dairy farms where heat treatment of colostrum occurred in the same colostrum processing kitchen. Four to 10 cows contributed to colostrum pools. A sample of the colostrum pool fed to the calves and serum from calves at 24-72 h was collected for IgG concentration determination by single radial immunodiffusion assay. Multivariable and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors that predicated serum IgG concentrations and the probability of FTPI, respectively. A Cox proportional hazard model analysis was performed to determine risk factors for mortality over the preweaning period. A total of 164 calves fed 28 colostrum pools were enrolled. Birth weight, number of colostrum feedings and pool IgG concentrations were significant predictors of calf serum IgG concentrations at 24-72 h, whereas the number of colostrum feedings and age at bleeding to determine passive transfer status were not significant predictors of calf serum IgG concentrations at 24-72 h. The prevalence of FTPI was 4.9%. Birth weight, pool IgG concentrations, number of colostrum feedings, and age at bleeding to check for passive transfer status were not significant predictors of the probability of FTPI at 24-72 h. The incidence of mortality was 4.3%. Passive transfer status was not a predictor of mortality. Our study demonstrates the effect of pooling colostrum on serum IgG concentrations even in herds where colostrum with higher median colostrum IgG concentrations is fed to calves. The results emphasize the recommendations to assess pooled colostrum IgG concentrations before feeding calves.

The association of immune response and colostral immunoglobulin G in Canadian and US Holstein-Friesian dairy cows

In cattle, maternal immunoglobulins are transferred through colostrum to provide passive immunity to the neonatal calf once they are absorbed into circulation. Cows can be assessed for antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses (AMIR and CMIR, respectively), and through estimated breeding values (EBV) and genomic parent averages (GPA), cows can be classified as having high, average, or low immune response (IR). The objective of this study was to identify associations of colostral IgG concentrations with IR in dairy cows. High IR dairy cows identified by GPA or EBV were hypothesized to produce higher colostral IgG concentrations than cows with average or low IR. Colostrum was collected from Holstein dairy cows from 3 large commercial herds (n = 590) in the United States and 1 research herd at the Ontario Dairy Research Centre (n = 275) in Canada. For the US herds, IR GPA were available through genotyping. For the Canadian herd, IR EBV were available through phenotyping and pedigree information. Colostral IgG concentrations were measured by radial immunodiffusion and analyzed using general linear models in SAS. Based on a prediction equation, cows in US herds with a CMIR GPA of 1 would have colostral IgG concentrations 6.3 g/L higher on average than cows with a CMIR GPA of 0. High CMIR cows produced statistically greater colostral IgG concentrations (least squares mean ± standard error of the mean, 107.5 ± 7.7 g/L) than low CMIR cows (91.4 ± 7.1 g/L), with intermediate values for average CMIR cows (105.1 ± 5.6 g/L). No differences were found among AMIR categories in US cows. The Canadian herd showed a trend for cows with high CMIR EBV (continuous variable) to produce greater colostral IgG. No differences were observed among high, average, and low AMIR EBV classifications in Canadian cows. The findings suggest that selective breeding of Holstein cows to enhance CMIR could contribute to higher-quality colostrum in succeeding generations.

Allele mining in gene encoding fc fragment of IgG receptor, transporter, alpha (FCGRT) and association of nucleotide variants with passive transfer of immunity in neonatal buffalo calves.

Neonatal Fc receptors (FcRn) mediate the transcytosis of IgG present in colostrum across absorptive gut epithelium of newborn calves. FcRn receptor is a heterodimer composed of two polypeptides encoded by FCGRT (Fc fragment of IgG Receptor Transporter neonatal) and B2M (Beta 2 microglobulin) genes. Polymorphism in FCGRT gene may have a bearing on absorption of colostral immunoglobulins by neonatal buffalo calves, thereby affecting their immune status and susceptibility to diseases. The primary aim of our study was to mine alleles and single nucleotide polymorphs in the FCGRT gene and determine their association with the levels of IgG in serum of neonatal buffalo calves. On the basis of serum IgG levels estimated by indirect ELISA in 80 newborn calves, 20 calves each with highest and lowest IgG concentration were selected to study polymorphism in the FCGRT gene. The exonic regions of this gene were amplified in nine fragments which were subjected to PCR-SSCP to detect variations followed by the sequencing of variants to locate the SNPs. A total of nine SNPs (7 in introns and 2 in exons) were detected in four polymorphic fragments. Association study based on Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% Confidence Interval (CIs) established that the SNP G40T in fragment 3 has a significant (P < 0.05) bearing on IgG level in serum of neonatal buffalo calves. Genetic variation in FCGRT gene in buffalo calves was found to be associated with their serum IgG levels in neonatal stage which may have implications in calf survival and growth vis-à-vis inadequate transfer of passive immunity.

Effect of formic acid treatment on colostrum quality, and on absorption and function of immunoglobulins: a randomized controlled trial in Holstein dairy calves

BackgroundGood quality colostrum is characterized by high immunoglobulin concentration and low pathogen load. Some methods of pathogen reduction can decrease immunoglobulin concentration and potentially affect their function. Objectives were to determine the effect of formic acid treatment on colostral bacterial and immunoglobulin (IgG) levels before feeding, and serum immunoglobulin concentration and neutralizing capabilities after feeding. Fifteen female Holstein calf pairs born < 12 h apart from different dams were randomly assigned to receive four liters of either untreated pooled (both dams) colostrum (MC) or colostrum acidified to pH 4.0–4.5 (AC). Colostrum characteristics estimated; pH, bacterial load, IgG concentration, and neutralization of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBRV/BoHV-1), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVDV) Types 1 and 2. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 3 and monthly for 6 months and were analyzed for IgG, and both viral plus leptospiral neutralization, and total protein (day 3 only).ResultsCompared to MC (mean 6.7, SD 0.4; median 6.8, range 6.0–7.3), AC pH was significantly reduced (mean 4.3, SD 0.2; median 4.3, range 4.0–4.5; P < 0.001). Total coliform count (cfu/mL) was also reduced (MC mean 149, SD 444; median 1, range 0–1,700; AC mean 8, SD 31; median 0, range 0–120; P = 0.02). Colostrum IgG concentration was not significantly different between MC (mean 93.3, SD 39.7; median 92.8, range 36.7–164.4 g/L) and AC (mean 101.9, SD 36.7; median 108.3, range 33.8–164.4 g/L; P = 0.54). In calves, serum IgG peaked on day 3 (MC mean 26.1, SD 34.9; median 169.2, range 8.3–151.0 g/L; AC mean 30.2, SD 48.7; median 188.8, range 3.1–204.4 g/L; P = 0.77), and apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was not different between groups (MC mean 24.3, SD 11.4, median 25.3, range 8.6–51.3%; AC mean 22.6, SD 21.7, median 21.6, range 4.1–58.9%; P = 0.65). Thereafter, IgG levels declined but did not differ between groups. MC and AC serum neutralizing titers for IBRV, BVDV Types 1 and 2, or Leptospira interrogans serovars Canicola, and Pomona and L. borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo were not different.ConclusionsColostrum acidification significantly decreased bacterial load fed to newborn calves without affecting colostral IgG concentration or virus neutralization. In addition, acid treatment did not affect serum IgG concentration in calves or its activity against common pathogens.

Serum immunoglobulin G concentration after plasma transfusion in neonatal foals with hypogammaglobulinemia in various health status

Due to the time-limited intestinal uptake of colostral immunoglobulins, the suggested treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia in new-born foals is usually plasma transfusion. The aims of this study were twofold: firstly, to investigate the course of serum IgG concentration after plasma transfusion in newborn foals; and secondly, to determine the amount of transfusion required for a significant increase in serum IgG concentration. For this purpose, the IgG concentration was measured in 23 foals at three different points in time: before transfusion, 1 hour after transfusion, and 24 hours after transfusion. There was an increase in IgG concentration in the blood of 18 foals (78.3%). In five foals (21.7%), no increase in serum IgG concentration were detected after plasma transfusion. Transfusion of 1 mg IgG caused an average increase in IgG level of 0.03 mg/dl (0.001–0.268 mg/dl) 1 hour after transfusion. After 24 hours, the same amount of IgG caused a larger increase of 0.05 mg/dl (0.002–0.537 mg/dl). None of the foals demonstrated adverse reactions to the plasma transfusion. These values provide a guidance how much IgG is needed to increase serum IgG concentration to a desired level. However, this study has shown that there is a high variability in serum IgG concentration after plasma transfusion. Which highlights the necessity for monitoring IgG concentration following transfusion.

Impact of prepartum administration of a vaccine against infectious calf diarrhea on nonspecific colostral immunoglobulin concentrations of dairy cows.

Passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins from the cow to the calf is essential for calf health. The objective of this study was to determine if prepartum administration of a vaccine stimulates increased concentrations of colostral immunoglobulins of dairy cows beyond what is explained by vaccine-specific immunoglobulins. A prospective cohort study was conducted on a spring-calving commercial dairy farm that had a policy of only vaccinating cows with even ear tag numbers with a calf diarrhea vaccine, whereas cows with odd ear tag numbers were left unvaccinated. Cows in the vaccinated group (even ear tag numbers, n = 204) received a sensitizer and booster vaccination with a vaccine against bovine rotavirus (serotypes G6 and G10), bovine coronavirus, and E. coli having the K99 pili adherence factor. A sensitizer was given because the study vaccine was different from the vaccine previously used. Cows in the control group (odd ear tag numbers, n = 194) received a 2-mL subcutaneous sterile saline solution. Both groups received two treatments at a 3-wk interval, completing the treatments approximately 2 wk prior to the planned start of calving. During the calving period, technicians separated calves from cows immediately after parturition and prior to suckling, and cows were completely milked out within 6 h of parturition. Vaccine-specific, total, and nonvaccine-specific (total minus vaccine-specific) concentrations of immunoglobulin classes A, G1, G2a, and M (IgA, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgM, respectively) were quantified by mass spectrometry for 20 colostrum samples from each treatment group. Predicted mean non-vaccine-specific colostral IgM concentrations were 8.76 (95% CI = 7.18-10.67) and 5.78 (95% CI = 4.74-7.05) mg/mL for vaccinated and control cows, respectively (P = 0.005). Predicted mean non-vaccine-specific colostral IgG1 concentrations were 106.08 (95% CI = 92.07-120.08) and 95.30 (95% CI = 81.30-109.31) mg/mL among vaccinated and control cows, respectively; however, these means were not significantly different (P = 0.278). It is thus possible that the vaccine, in addition to specifically managing infectious calf diarrhea, may also have non-specific benefits by improving colostrum quality through increased non-vaccine-specific colostrum IgM concentrations. Further research is necessary to determine the mechanism for these preliminary findings, whether the effect may occur in other immunoglobulin classes, and what impacts it may have on calf health outcomes.

Comparison of Different Methods to Determine the Absorption of Colostral IgG in Newborn Foals

The timely diagnosis of abnormalities in the passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins is important for the health and development of newborn foals. This study investigated three different methods for measuring immunoglobulin G concentration in neonatal foals. Comparison of a commercial SNAP assay, total protein concentration determination, and total globulin calculation by subtracting the albumin fraction from total protein as an indirect parameter was performed on a quantitative ELISA, which served as a reference method. The study included 119 samples from 148 foals between the age of 1 and 6 days. A blood concentration of 800 mg/dL was considered to indicate adequate absorption of immunoglobulins, and a concentration of less than 400 mg/dL was considered to be hypogammaglobulinemia. The sensitivity of the SNAP test was 64.5% and specificity was 94.7% for diagnosing sufficient absorption of immunoglobulin G at a value of 800 mg/dL. A value of 54 g/L was found to be most appropriate for the use of total protein and provided a sensitivity of 67.3% and specificity of 84.2%. For total globulins, the most appropriate value was 27 g/L, which yielded a sensitivity of 74.5% and specificity of 81.6%. At values under 400 mg/dL, the sensitivity of the SNAP test was 89.4% and the specificity was 83.0%. Here, the most suitable value for the total protein was 51 g/L. This provides a sensitivity of 65.2% and a specificity of 76.8%. The most suitable concentration for the use of total globulin was determined to be 24 g/L, which provided a sensitivity of 75.8% and a specificity of 78.1%. The study and its results show that the SNAP test, the TP, and the TP-A method perform similarly well compared to the ELISA in determining IgG concentration of ≥800 mg/dL. Based on the 95% confidence intervals, however, the Snap test and the TP-A method appear to perform similarly well but better than the TP approach for IgG concentrations <400 mg/dL.

Absorption of colostral immunoglobulin G by Icelandic dairy calves

Serum samples were taken from 11 Icelandic dairy calves, at birth and 24 hours later, and 11 colostrum samples were taken from their mothers with the concentration of IgG measured by ELISA. The amount of colostrum ingested by each calf was also measured. The results showed that the mean concentration of IgG in cow colostrum at birth was 11.54 mg ml-1. The mean concentration in the serum of calves that had ingested known quantities of colostrum was 8.02 mg ml-1 24 hours postpartum. Both values were lower than described in other cattle breeds. Significant correlation existed between the amount of colostral IgG consumed and serum concentration of IgG in the calves 24 hours postpartum. The mean apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) was 43%, which is high compared to other studies. Although the study group was small, the results give an indication of the ability of Icelandic calves to absorb colostral IgG.

Formation of colostral immunity in calfs on the background of the application of immunostimulators to cows

A scientific and practical substantiation of the need for the timely formation of colostral immunity in calves to create nonspecific protection of the body and adaptation of newborns to new environmental conditions is given, which is the most important problem of modern veterinary science and practice. Colostral immunity is immunity that develops in newborns due to colostral immunoglobulins during the first 24-36 hours of life. For some newborn farm animals (horses, ruminants and pigs), antibodies are transmitted to offspring only through colostrum in the early postnatal period. In order to increase the nonspecific defenses of the body of mothers cows, the formation of colostral immunity in newborn calves and the realization of the biological resource potential of the body, immunostimulants were used, developed by scientists of the Chuvash State Agrarian University: Prevention-N-B-S and Salus-PE.

The concentrations of immunoglobulins in bovine colostrum determined by the gold standard method are genetically correlated with their near-infrared prediction

BackgroundThe quality of colostrum administered to calves is based on its concentration in immunoglobulins G (IgG, g/L). Immunoglobulins A (IgA) and M (IgM) are also present but at a lower level. The gold standard reference analysis for these traits, radial immunodiffusion, is time-consuming and expensive. In order to define breeding strategies that are aimed at improving colostrum quality in dairy cattle, a large amount of data is needed, and the use of indicator traits would be beneficial. In the study presented here, we explored the heritabilities of reference (radial immunodiffusion) and near infrared-predicted IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations and estimated their genetic correlations. First, the colostrum of 765 Holstein cows from nine herds was sampled to perform a reference analysis and the near-infrared spectra (400–2500 nm) were stored. We used a calibration set (28% of the initial samples) that was representative of the herds and cow parity orders to develop prediction equations for IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations. Finally, these traits were predicted in the validation set (72% of the initial samples) to estimate genetic parameters for the predictions. Genetic correlations between reference and predicted values of each trait were estimated through bivariate linear animal models.ResultsThe three near-infrared-predicted immunoglobulin fractions were genetically correlated with their reference value. In particular, the reference and predicted IgG concentrations were strongly correlated at both the genetic (0.854 ± 0.314) and phenotypic level (0.767 ± 0.019). Weaker associations were observed for IgA and IgM concentrations, which were predicted with lower accuracy compared to IgG. Simulation analyses suggested that improving colostrum quality by selective breeding in Holstein cattle based on near-infrared predicted colostrum immunoglobulins concentrations is feasible. In addition, less than 10 mL of colostrum are needed for spectra acquisition and thus implementation of such analyses is possible in the near future.ConclusionsThe concentrations of colostrum immunoglobulins can be predicted from near-infrared spectra and the genetic correlation between the reference and the predicted traits is positive and favourable, in spite of the large standard errors of the estimates. Near-infrared spectroscopy can be exploited in selective breeding of dairy cattle to improve colostral immunoglobulins concentration.

EVALUATION OF PASSIVE TRANSFER IN NINE SPECIES OF CERVIDAE

The reliability of packed cell volumes (PCV), total solids (TS), blood glucose (BG), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and glutaraldehyde test in determining passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins was investigated in nine species of cervids: axis deer (Axis axis), hog deer (Axis porcinus), sika deer (Cervus nippon), tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus), pudu (Pudu puda), sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), barasinga deer (Rucervus duvaucelli), and Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii). Individually the parameters evaluated were significant though imperfect predictors of passive transfer status in cervids. Interpreted collectively as a panel along with neonate condition, these tests were clinically helpful in diagnosing failure of passive transfer (FPT). Collectively interpreting test results as a panel along with clinical assessment of the animal is recommended. Some species-specific variations in TS, GGT, and glutaraldehyde test results were identified.