Neonate and importance of colostrum

Question 1

What are the functions of colostrum?

Answer 1

• Provision of energy and fluid
• Transfer of passive immunity (Ig and cell-mediated immunity through maternal lymphocytes)
• Development of early GI microbiota

Question 2

What is the predominant antibody isotype in colostrum?

Answer 2

• IgG = ~85-90%
• IgA = 5%
• IgM = ~7%

Question 3

True/false: colostrum management is the single most important management factor in determining calf health and survival.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

True/false: colostrum can be frozen and defrosted in the microwave.

Answer 4

False.

Do not defrost in the microwave!

Question 5

What is the target serum Ig in a calf?

Answer 5

>10g/L at 4 hrs of age

Question 6

What is the target serum Ig in a foal?

Answer 6

>8g/L

>800mg/dL

(they are the same thing)

Question 7

What test can you perform to evaluate whether failure of passive transfer has occurred in a foal?

Answer 7

A stall-side SNAP test that uses the foal’s blood sample

Question 8

If FPT has occurred in a foal, what should you do?

Answer 8

Give hyperimmunised plasma IV.

Question 9

What is considered a good value on a Brix refractometer?

Answer 9

>22%

This corresponds to Ig content >50mg/ml

Question 10

True/false: in higher quality colostrum, the colostrometer will sink further down.

Answer 10

False

High quality = more dense = colostrometer sinks in less