lymph & immune truncated for exam

Question 1

Properties of colostrum…? what does it contain?

Answer 1

high [IgG] produced by immune sys of dam
Also contains - anti-infectious agents (eg lysozyme, live lymphocytes); digestive enzymes, hormones, growth factors, peptides
[proteins & vitamins ADE] 5 times > whole milk; protein ~7 times > whole milk
contains factor -> allows newborn to use fat reserves immediately -> energy

Question 2

What factors affect the absorption of colostrum?

Answer 2

Depends on [colostrum] & how active calf/foal is after birth
Max absorption first 6-8 hrs (little to none 24-36 hrs after birth)
Ig quantity & specific immunity depends on individual cow
heifer colostrum less concentrated
Amounts differ due to - short dry period; poor nutrition; milking before calving; big flush of milk at milking; inducing partuition with long-acting corticosteriods
infection in dam before calving -> decreased immunity

Question 3

Adequacy of serum [IgG] for passive transfer immune responses (calves & foals)…?

Answer 3

IgG in calf serum must reach 10mg/ml or > for minimun protection ( FPT)
Serum [IgG] < 2mg/ml -> diagnose FPT foals 24 & 48 hrs post birth
Serum [IgG] < 4mg/ml -> partial failure passive transfer
Serum [IgG] >8mg/ml -> required for adequate immune protection in foals

Question 4

What factors affect the quality of colostrum?

Answer 4

• Age of animal - older cows generally > [Ig] than heifers
• short or long dry periods -> (variation of [Ig])
• Exposure to Ag’s & vaccinations -> specific Ig’s -> colostrum from maternal blood

Question 5

Volumes of colostrum ingested…?

Answer 5

Max protection = 3-5L (calves)
optimum amount 5%+ of body weight in 1st 24 hrs (scours rare when overfeeding)
ability of calf to feed depends on its level of activity post-partum & physical shape of udder & teats