Colostrum IgG Content Research Articles

Colostrum in cheese milk: Effects on physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of milk, whey and fresh cheese

Colostrum presence in milk may cause problems in industrial processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of cheese whey and model-fresh cheeses made from milk containing up to 10% colostrum. Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of colostrum, milk, cheese and cheese whey were evaluated. IgG content in colostrum, milk and cheese whey was also analyzed. The colostrum presence changed cheese milk composition, physicochemical parameters, IgG content and microbial counts. As the presence of colostrum increased, cheeses had higher protein and moisture contents, while aerobes mesophiles and coliform counts decreased. The cheese and cheese whey color were slightly to noticeably different when up to 10% colostrum was added to the cheese milk. The whey IgG concentration increased significantly when the cheese milk contained 5% and 10% colostrum. This should be taken into consideration when this by-product be potentially used in the production of value-added dairy or nutraceutical products.

Colostrum traits and newborn body weight and growth: comparison between single and twin underfed sheep pregnancies.

Maternal nutrition during gestation plays an important role in colostrum production, postnatal growth, and survival of newborn lambs, especially in twin gestations. This research aimed to investigate the effects of chronic natural undernutrition on colostrum traits and early lamb's postnatal growth born from single and twin sheep pregnancies developed in a restrictive prairie, representative of southern Patagonia. Single- and twin-bearing ewes (n = 20 per group) were maintained grazing in a natural pasture. At 140 days of gestation, ewes were placed in individual pens for lambing control. Colostrum was collected immediately after delivery and at 12, 24, and 36 h postpartum, for determination of yield and composition. Maternal blood was obtained at 140 days of gestation and at lambing for plasma glucose, progesterone, 17β-estradiol, and IgG determination. Newborn lamb blood for determining glycaemia and IgG was collected at birth and at 12, 24, 36, and 120 h after birth. Lamb mortality and growth was assessed from birth until 30 days of life. No differences were observed in progesterone and 17β-estradiol. There were no differences in colostrum yields and fat components, however single- had higher values of protein and lactose than twin-bearing ewes (p < 0.05 for both). Singletons had higher glycaemia than twins at 12 h postpartum (102.2 ± 32.8 vs. 73.4 ± 29.9 mg/dL, p < 0.05). Colostrum IgG content was similar at delivery but higher in single ewes at 12 and 24 h, reaching a similar values at 36 h (4.7 ± 9.7 and 5.8 ± 7.7 mg/mL in single and twin pregnancies, respectively). Newborn IgG was higher in singletons compared to twins at least until 48 h of life. Lams body weight was always superior in singleton than twins from birth until 30 days of life. Mortality did not differ during the first week of life, but it increased significantly only in twins until day 30 of life. Undernourishment in pregnant ewes affected colostrum quantity and quality, resulting in a lower postnatal growth and a higher mortality in twins. Alternative managements favoring fetal growth, birth weight and neonatal viability in twin sheep pregnancies are needed, when flocks are breed under harsh environments.

Colostrum Quality Assessment in Dairy Goats: Use of an On-Farm Optical Refractometer.

Failure of passive immunity transfer is one of the main causes of increased susceptibility to infectious agents in newborn kids. To ensure successful transfer of passive immunity, kids need to be fed high-quality colostrum, containing an adequate concentration of IgG. This work evaluated the quality of colostrum obtained in the first 3 days postpartum from Malagueña dairy goats. The IgG concentration in colostrum was measured using an ELISA as a reference method, and it was estimated by optical refractometer. Colostrum composition in terms of fat and protein was also determined. The mean concentration of IgG was 36.6 ± 2.3 mg/mL, 22.4 ± 1.5 mg/mL and 8.4 ± 1.0 mg/mL on days 1, 2 and 3 after parturition, respectively. Brix values obtained using the optical refractometer were 23.2%, 18.6% and 14.1% for days 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In this population, 89% of goats produced high-quality colostrum with IgG concentrations of >20 mg/mL on the day of parturition, but this percentage declined dramatically over the following 2 days. The quality of the fresh colostrum estimated with the optical refractometer was positively correlated with those obtained using ELISA (r = 0.607, p = 0.001). This study highlights the importance of feeding first-day colostrum to newborn kids and demonstrates that the optical Brix refractometer is suitable for the on-farm estimation of IgG content in colostrum.

Evaluation of an on-farm method to assess colostrum IgG content in hyperprolific sows

The colostrum quality (immunoglobulin content) is one of the most challenging aspects for hyperprolific sows in the modern pig industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate relationships among sow body condition scores, litter characteristics, and colostrum IgG content in hyperprolific sows, using a digital Brix refractometer to measure IgG. Samples (5 ml) were collected from two hundred and eighty-seven sows within the first hour postpartum. Sow parameters and back fat thickness at farrowing (BFF) and weaning (BFW) were recorded. The results indicate a positive correlation between parity and IgG, as well as BFF and BFW. A negative correlation was found between the number of weaning piglets and BFW. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between the number of mummified piglets and colostrum IgG. Finally, lactation duration was positively associated with BFF. In conclusion, the number of mummified piglets is a factor positively associated with colostrum IgG content in hyperprolific sows.

Comparison between the Brix Refractometer and ELISA for Assessment of Colostrum IgG of Montbeliard x Holstein Cross Dairy Cows

The objectives of the present study were to examine the association between the brix refractometer% and ELISA assays in the assessment of colostrum-IgG content and in studying the factors affecting this content. Contents of IgG in colostrum samples of 132 healthy primiparous&nbsp;and&nbsp;multiparous&nbsp;Montbeliard x&nbsp;Holstein cross dairy cows&nbsp;kept in Egypt were evaluated using ELISA assay and brix refractometer%. The ELISA results showed that the IgG contents in the colostrum samples ranged from 5.96 to 114.84 mg/mL, with a mean of 57.07 mg/mL. Brix% results ranged from 15% to 35%, with a mean of 23.97%. The correlation and regression coefficients between ELISA(IgG) and brix% were significantly high (r=0.68 and r2 =0.59, respectively). Prediction regression equation was ELISA(IgG) = 31.81+1.12(brix refractometer%). The effects of parity and season of calving on both ELISA(IgG) and brix% were significant. ELISA(IgG) and brix% were higher in cows ≥ 3 lactations than those in the first and second lactations. Moreover, summer calving recorded higher ELISA(IgG) and brix% than autumn calving. Either ELISA(IgG) or brix% were not significantly affected by calf’s sex, single/twin births, or history of cows’ diseases. ELISA(IgG) and brix% had a significant positive correlation with calf’s birth weights and gestation lengths, while they recorded a non-significant correlation with dry-period length. It can be concluded that a refractometer is a simple on-farm tool to assess colostrum quality. Its high correlation with the lab analytical assay of ELISA confirms the validity of using refractometers by researchers in colostrum studies.

Effects of maternal level of dietary cation-anion difference fed to prepartum nulliparous cows on offspring acid-base balance, metabolism, and growth

The objectives were to determine the effects of dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) fed to pregnant cows during the last 22 d of gestation on offspring acid-base balance, metabolism, growth, and health preweaning. A total of 132 nulliparous Holstein cows were enrolled at 250 (248 to 253) d of gestation in a randomized block design. Cows were blocked by genomic merit of energy-corrected milk yield and assigned randomly to diets varying in DCAD: +200 (P200, n = 43), -50 (N50, n = 45), or -150 (N150, n = 44) mEq/kg of dry matter (DM). Newborn calves (15 males and 28 females in P200, 22 males and 23 females in N50, and 18 males and 26 females in N150) were followed for the first 7 or 56 d of age if males or females, respectively. Measures of acid-base balance and concentrations of minerals in blood were measured in all calves on d 0 before colostrum feeding, and on d 1, 3, and 7. Each calf was fed 3.78 L of colostrum from the respective treatment, and apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was determined. All calves were weighed at birth, and females were weighed again at 21, 42, and 56 d of age. Concentrations in serum of total calcium (tCa), total magnesium (tMg), and total phosphorus (tP) were measured up to 56 d of age; intakes of milk and starter grain DM were measured daily from 21 to 56 d of age; and incidence of disease was recorded for the first 56 d of age in females. Treatment did not affect acid-base balance measured in all calves. Calves were born with metabolic and respiratory acidosis, which reversed by 1 d of age. In the first 24 h after birth, blood pH increased from 7.215 to 7.421 and bicarbonate from 26.2 to 31.7 mM, whereas partial pressure of CO2 decreased from 64.1 to 48.7 mm of Hg in all treatments. Maternal DCAD did not affect colostrum IgG content fed to calves (P200 = 95.0 vs. N50 = 91.0 vs. N150 = 97.1 ± 4.1 g/L) or apparent efficiency of IgG absorption (P200 = 33.1 vs. N50 = 33.1 vs. N150 = 34.2 ± 1.9%). Males were born heavier than females, but maternal DCAD did not affect birth weight of all calves (P200 = 37.7 vs. N50 = 37.3 vs. N150 = 37.8 ± 0.7 kg) or daily weight gain in females in the first 56 d of life (P200 = 0.80 vs. N50 = 0.81 vs. N150 = 0.77 ± 0.03 kg/d). Treatment did not affect intake of milk (P200 = 1.11 vs. N50 = 1.04 vs. N150 = 1.19 ± 0.06 kg/d) or starter grain DM (P200 = 0.27 vs. N50 = 0.27 vs. N150 = 0.21 ± 0.06 kg/d), or measures of feed efficiency. Treatment did not affect concentrations of minerals in serum, morbidity, or age at morbidity. Manipulating the DCAD of pregnant nulliparous dams during late gestation did not affect offspring performance in the first 2 mo of age.

FcRn is not the receptor mediating the transfer of serum IgG to colostrum in pigs.

In contrast to humans or rabbits, in which maternal IgG is transmitted to offspring prenatally via the placenta or the yolk sac, large domestic animals such as pigs, cows and sheep transmit IgG exclusively through colostrum feeding after delivery. The extremely high IgG content in colostrum is absorbed by newborns via the small intestine. Although it is widely accepted that the neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn, is the receptor mediating IgG transfer across both the placenta and small intestine, it remains unclear whether FcRn also mediates serum IgG transfer across the mammary barrier to colostrum/milk, especially in large domestic animals. In this study, using a FcRn knockout pig model generated with a CRISPR-Cas9-based approach, we clearly demonstrate that FcRn is not responsible for the IgG transfer from serum to colostrum in pigs, although like in other mammals, it is involved in IgG homeostasis and mediates IgG absorption in the small intestine of newborns.

Pattern of milk yield and immunoglobulin concentration and factors associated with colostrum quality at the quarter level in dairy cows after parturition

First colostrum yield and constituents as well as milk yield during established lactation vary considerably among mammary quarters in dairy cows. However, data on the development of milk yield, IgG concentration, and their distribution per quarter within cows during the first milkings after calving are scarce. We analyzed milk production and IgG concentration at the individual quarter level in 29 multiparous Holstein cows during the first 5 milkings after calving. Cow- and calf-related factors (time interval between calving and first milking, parity number, previous lactation yield, gestation length, dry period length, sex, and birth weight of the calf) potentially affecting first colostrum quality and quantity were assessed. Milking of first colostrum was carried out between 30 and 180 min after parturition. Further milkings were performed twice daily. Quarter milk yield varied between 0.1 and 5.5 kg at the first milking and between 1.4 and 5.1 kg at the fifth milking relative to parturition. Quarter IgG concentration ranged between 18.8 and 106.0 mg/mL at the first milking and between 0.8 and 46.1 mg/mL at the fifth milking. Distribution of milk yield and IgG concentration among quarters was not entirely repeatable during the first 5 successive milkings after parturition; that is, the ranking of quarters changed (intraclass correlation coefficients for quarter milk yield and IgG concentration: 0.64 and 0.79, respectively). The average hourly milk production increased in all quarters, ranging from 0.02 to 0.26 kg/h between the first 2 milkings up to 0.11 to 0.45 kg/h between the fourth and fifth milkings. First colostrum yield was not affected by any of the evaluated cow- and calf-related factors. Quarter colostrum IgG concentration was higher in cows with a higher previous lactation yield, whereas a lower colostrum IgG content was observed in cows with a longer gestation period and consequently heavier calves. In conclusion, milk yield and IgG concentration of individual quarters varied considerably, and their distribution among quarters within cows was moderately repeatable in consecutive milkings and changed partially over time. The decline of IgG concentration was independent of the concomitant increase in milk secretion, with changes occurring at different rates in individual quarters. Our results confirm the independence of the single mammary quarters at the onset of lactation despite an identical exposure to endocrine stimuli.

Effect of FMD vaccination schedule of dams on the level and duration of maternally derived antibodies

Vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in pregnant cows is crucial to produce greater immunity in new born calves, especially in late gestation, as this directly affects neonatal immunity. Therefore, we aimed to investigate how late gestation FMD vaccination of pregnant cows affects the maternally derived antibodies in their offspring. Pregnant cows were vaccinated with and without booster vaccination during the 3rd months (early gestation vaccination, EGV) or the 6.5th months (late gestation vaccination, LGV). Their offspring were investigated for passive immunity transfer, maternal antibody duration, and the first vaccination age of calves (when the maternal antibody has waned sufficiently to allow the first vaccination). Antibody titers were analyzed by a virus neutralization test (VNT). A digital Brix refractometer (% Brix) was used to estimate passive antibody transfer efficiency measuring total protein (TP) content of calf blood sera and also colostrum IgG content. Two linear mixed effects models were fitted: one for the antibody titer values of the dams, and the other for the antibody titer values of calves before the vaccination. A marginal fixed effects model was also fitted to explore the effects of the dam titers on the antibody titers of the calves after their vaccinations. As a result, the average neutralizing antibody titers did not differ between the EGV and LGV groups nor were any differences detected between dams that received a booster and those that were not boosted. However, the LGV calves’ mean maternally derived antibody titers were significantly higher (p-values = 0.0001 for both groups) and the duration was longer than that of the EGV calves (120 days in LGV, 60 days in EGV, p < 0.05). Since no statistical difference was found between the titers of either group of dams at the beginning of the experiment and parturition, it does not appear that the higher VN titers in LGV calves compared to titers in EGV are directly related to the circulating antibody levels in the dams. Furthermore, the TP value (% Brix) of calf blood sera was higher than>8.4% in both calf groups (9.3 ± 0.33 in LGV and 8.6 ± 0.40 in EGV, p > 0.05) indicating that passive immunity transfer had occurred for both groups. In addition, we found that the % Brix mean colostrum IgG content of the LGV (25.8 ± 1.30) was higher than the EGV (21.8 ± 0.58) dams (p < 0.01) and a significant positive correlation found between the colostrum density of LGV dams and TP (% Brix) value of their offspring (r = 0.73, p < 0.01). Our results show that vaccination during the late gestation period increased the colostrum IgG content of dams of LGV in addition to the maternally derived antibody duration and potentially provided greater protection of the offspring.

Effects of dietary grape seed polyphenols supplementation during late gestation and lactation on antioxidant status in serum and immunoglobulin content in colostrum of multiparous sows1.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary grape seed polyphenols (GSP) supplementation during the late gestation and lactation period on reproductive performance, antioxidative status in serum, nutrient composition, and Ig content in colostrum of multiparous sows. On day 80 of gestation, a total of 64 sows with similar body condition were allocated to a completely randomized block design with 4 dietary treatments (n = 16 sows per treatment): 1) basal diet (CON, control group); 2) basal diet supplemented with 200 IU/kg vitamin E (200VE, positive control group); 3) basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg GSP (200GSP); and 4) basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg GSP (300GSP). The trial lasted 56 d until the piglets were weaned on day 21 of lactation. Reproductive performance, parameters of antioxidative status, and levels of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) in serum, nutrient composition, and Ig content in colostrum of sows were determined. The number of dead fetuses was reduced, and farrowing survival was significantly improved in the litters from 300GSP-fed (P < 0.05). Preweaning survivability significantly increased in the litters from sows fed 200GSP and 200VE (P < 0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the serum was significantly increased in sows fed 200GSP and 300GSP (P < 0.05). The activity of GSH-Px in the serum also significantly increased in sows fed 200VE (P < 0.05). Sows fed 300GSP had the greatest levels of P4 and E2 in the serum, which was significantly greater than sows fed 200VE and CON (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among treatments for the content of solids-not-fat, fat, protein, and lactose in colostrum (P > 0.05). However, sows fed GSP had greater IgM and IgG content in colostrum compared with sows fed 200VE and CON (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary GSP supplementation during late gestation and lactation improved the farrowing survival and preweaning survivability, enhanced the antioxidant status and hormone levels in serum, and increased the IgM and IgG content in colostrum of sows.

Monitoring Passive Transfer of Immunity in Neonatal Calves by Measuring Levels of IgG in Blood Using Immunoassay Method and Refractometer Measures of Serum and Colostrum

IgG Check calf test has been used in this study to identify if a failure of passive transfer occurs in neonatal calves by measuring the level of IgG in blood. An adequate level of IgG measured in all calves at 48 hours, 7 days and 14 days after birth showed level of IgG 1000 mg/dl. This level indicated that they have good passive transfer of immunity. Also, in this study colostrum quality fed to calves was detected using Brix Refractometer. The colostrum is of high quality as it contains 50 mg/ml of IgG. This Brix refractometer can be used on the farm level to estimate colostrum IgG content and monitoring colostrum feeding practices. Colostrum with high quality IgG could provide calves with enough IgG to attain successful passive transfer of immunity. Brix and Obione refractometers provide simple, rapid method for estimating IgG concentration on calf serum, thus considered to be the most common method for determining passive transfer failure.

Effect of high-pressure processing of bovine colostrum on immunoglobulin G concentration, pathogens, viscosity, and transfer of passive immunity to calves.

This study aimed to determine the effects of high-pressure processing on the immunoglobulin concentration, microbial load, viscosity, and transfer of passive immunity to calves when applied to bovine colostrum as an alternative to thermal pasteurization. A pilot study using Staphylococcus aureus was conducted to determine which pressure-time treatments are most appropriate for use with bovine colostrum, with the goals of maximizing bacterial inactivation while minimizing IgG content and viscosity changes. Following the pilot study, an inoculation study was conducted in which first-milking colostrum samples from Holstein-Friesian cows were inoculated with known concentrations of various bacteria or viruses and pressure processed at either 300 MPa for up to 60min or at 400MPa for up to 30min. The recovery of total native aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Dublin, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis, bovine herpesvirus type 1, and feline calicivirus were determined after processing. Colostrum IgG content was measured before and after pressure processing. Shear stress and viscosity for each treatment was determined over shear rates encompassing those found during calf feeding and at normal bovine body temperature (37.8°C). Following a calf trial, serum IgG concentration was measured in 14 calves fed 4 L of colostrum pressure processed at 400MPa for 15min. In the pilot study, S. aureus was effectively reduced with pressure treatment at 300 and 400MPa (0, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45min), with 2 treatments at 400MPa (30, 45min) determined to be inappropriate for use with bovine colostrum due to viscosity and IgG changes. High-pressure processing at 300MPa (30, 45, and 60min) and 400MPa (10, 15, and 20min) was shown to effectively reduce total native aerobic bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella Dublin, bovine herpesvirus type 1, and feline calicivirus populations in bovine colostrum, but no decrease occurred in Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis. All inoculation study pressure treatments insignificantly decreased IgG content of colostrum. Treatment of colostrum at 400MPa for 15min during the calf trial decreased IgG content of colostrum. Treatment at 400MPa for 15min increased colostrum viscosity, with 2 of 14 samples requiring dilution with water for calf feeding. Calves fed pressure-processed colostrum had similar serum IgG but lower efficiency of absorption than calves fed heat-treated colostrum. The results of this study suggest that high-pressure processing of bovine colostrum maintains an acceptable IgG level while decreasing bacterial and viral counts. Changes in viscosity sometimes made calf feeding more difficult, but still feasible. Additional research to optimize this technology for on-farm use is necessary.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides in Lactating Sows and Newly Weaned Piglets on Reproductive Performance of Sows, Immune Response and Growth Performance of Piglets from Birth to Slaughter

Objective: The effects of an early-life dietary supplementation with short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) on immune response and growth performance of pigs from birth to slaughter were evaluated. The hypothesis was that scFOS have long-term effects on immune response, and growth performance. Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine sows received a control diet (CTRL, 10 g/d maltodextrins) or a diet supplemented with scFOS (10 g/d) from d 109 of gestation to the weaning of the piglets. After weaning, the piglets of each litter were divided into two groups to receive the CTRL or the scFOS diet (1.2 g/d maltodextrin or scFOS) during the pre-starter period. At 53 and 74 d of age, the piglets were vaccinated against Influenza. Performance of sows and composition of colostrum were measured. Blood serum of the piglets was sampled one d prior vaccination, at d 74 and 95 to measure Influenza-IgG levels. The growth parameters of the piglets were recorded from birth to slaughter. Results: Supplementation of the sows with scFOS decreased farrowing duration (p=0.012), colostrum fat content (p=0.006) and increased IgG content in colostrum of sows with parity of 4 or higher (p=0.006) without modifying the performance of suckling piglets. Back fat thickness at weaning tended to be higher in supplemented sows (p=0.091). Diet with scFOS improved growth performance during the breeding period, resulting in reduced feeding time needed to reach a 120 kg body weight at slaughter. Piglets fed scFOS had higher Influenza-IgG titer (p=0.05) after vaccination against Influenza virus.

Risk Factors Associated with Colostrum Quality in Norwegian Dairy Cows

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate colostrum quality in Norwegian dairy cows based on IgG content, and to identify associations between possible risk factors and low colostral IgG. A longitudinal cross-sectional survey on calf health in Norway was performed between June 2004 and December 2006. The participating dairy herds were randomly selected among herds registered in the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System as having at least 15 cow years. The participating farmers were requested to sample 10mL of colostrum from the first milking after calving from 12 cows that had calved during the defined project period of 365 d. Colostrum samples from 1,250 cows from 119 herds were collected. The material consisted of 451, 337, 213, and 249 samples collected from cows in their first, second, third, and fourth parity or more, respectively. Analysis was performed on IgG content by using single radial immunodiffusion. Mixed models with herd as a cluster were fit by using grams of IgG per liter of colostrum as the dependent variable for the statistical analyses. The IgG content in the colostrum sampled ranged from 4 to 235g/L, with a median of 45.0g of IgG/L, with the 10th, 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles being 23.1, 31.4, 63.6, and 91.6g of IgG/L, respectively. Altogether, 57.8% of the samples contained less than the desired 50g of IgG/L of colostrum. Cows in their fourth parity or more were found to have significantly higher levels of IgG per liter of colostrum than cows in their first or second parity. Colostrum from cows in their second parity had the lowest level of IgG. Cows calving during the winter months (December, January, and February) produced colostrum with a significantly lower IgG content compared with cows calving in any other season of the year. Somatic cell count, measured after calving, was significantly higher in cows producing colostrum of inferior quality compared with those producing high-quality colostrum. Of the total variation in colostrum quality, 13.7% could be explained by cluster effects within herd. The variation in IgG content in colostrum produced by Norwegian dairy cows indicates a need for improved colostrum quality control and subsequent adjustment of the colostrum feeding regimen to ensure a protective immunological status for newborn calves.

The Effect on Late Pregnancy Feed Allowance on the Composition of the Sow’s Colostrum and Milk

The composition of colostrum and milk and of sows fed either 3.4 kg or 1.0 kg daily of a conventional sow diet during the last 14 days of gestation was investigated. The fat content of colostrum of the very restrictedly fed sows was higher compared with the standard fed sows. There was a significantly decrease in the crude protein and immunoglobulin contents of colostrum during the first 4 h post farrowing. The milk composition 14 days after farrowing was not affected by the late pregnancy feeding level. The composition of milk was significantly correlated with the 3 week litter weight. The colostrum IgG content was not correlated to the mortality of piglets during the first week post favouring. The content of crude protein and immunoglobulins in the milk was not correlated with the frequency of post weaning diarrhoea.