Natural Resistance Mechanisms of the Udder - Secretory Antibodies, Lactoferrin & Other Soluble Factors Flashcards
1
Q
What are the major antibody class in milk?
A
IgG
2
Q
What are the roles of Igs in preventing mastitis?
A
Immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM and IgA) are selectively transported to the udder in the 3 weeks before freshening to concentrate in colostrum. They aid in opsonization of bacteria but udder remains susceptible to infection
3
Q
What are the roles of lactoferrin?
A
It chelates iron in the presence of bicarbonate and therefore reduces iron availability for some pathogenic bacteria (coliforms and most staphylococci). It increases greatly in the well-involuted dry cow gland preventing new infection during this time
4
Q
What other soluble factors that help in preventing mastitis?
A
Lysozyme and lactoperoxidase (produced by mammary epithelial cells)
