Transfer and persistence of bovine immunoglobulins in lambs fed a colostrum replacer
Abstract
Background. Colostrum-derived antibodies are crucial for the protection of newborn lambs from infectious diseases. Several colostrum replacer products that contain bovine antibodies are on the market. We investigated the absorption and persistence of bovine antibodies from a powdered colostrum replacer in newborn lambs. Methods. We tested a lamb colostrum replacer containing bovine serum in lambs that were separated from their dams at birth. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) uptake was analysed by ELISA, and the persistence of antigen-specific antibodies was analysed by parainfluenza 3 virus (PI-3) neutralisation assay. Results. Serum antibody ELISA performed on days 1 and 14 revealed IgG levels of 17.9 ± 2.8 and 27.5 ± 2.5 mg/ml, respectively. PI-3 antibodies derived from the colostrum replacer were present for 86.3 ± 10.6 days. Conclusions. Antibodies derived from bovine serum protein delivered to lambs via a commercial colostrum replacer are readily absorbed and persist for months, suggesting that these products may offer adequate protection.
Description
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: [Transfer and persistence of bovine immunoglobulins in lambs fed a colostrum replacer. Veterinary Record (2022)], which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1974. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions: https://authorservices.wiley.com/author-resources/Journal-Authors/licensing/self-archiving.html#3
Citation
Johnson, Thea, Bryan Tegner Jacobson, Kerri Jones, Cassie Mosdal, Steve Jones, Maia Vitkovic, Sam Kruppenbacher, Andy Sebrell, and Diane Bimczok. "Transfer and persistence of bovine immunoglobulins in lambs fed a colostrum replacer." Veterinary Record (2022): e1974.