Characterisation of whey proteins of camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk and colostrum

Variation in the composition of whey proteins from camel (Camelus dromedarius) colostrum and milk was recorded over a 192 h period following parturition. Whey proteins were separated by cation-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography and identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The main components of whey proteins in camel milk and colostrum were similar to that in bovine, except for the lack in β-lactoglobulin. Serum albumin was the major whey protein present in camel milk, with an average concentration of 10.8 g/l. Camel colostrum was rich in immunoglobulins G, which consist of IgG1, and the enzyme inhibitory antibodies IgG2 and IgG3. The concentration of these proteins decreased rapidly 48 h post partum. Lactophorin (proteose peptone-component 3) and basic whey protein were detected only within 48 h after parturition, reaching a level of 4.9 and 3.1 g/l at 192 h post partum, respectively. The maximum level of lactoferrin (2.3 g/l) was observed at 48 h after parturition. Camel milk and colostrum were shown to be rich in protective proteins, especially IgG2 and IgG3, which revealed to be a potential source of inhibitory antibodies.     

Validation of Brix refractometer to estimate colostrum immunoglobulin G content and composition in the sow

Colostrum is an essential source of immunoglobulin G (IgG) for neonate piglets. However, colostrum IgG content and nutritional composition can vary considerably among sows due to age, parity, feeding regime and immunological background. Currently, there is no practical way to obtain information about colostrum IgG concentration at herd level. We evaluated sows’ colostrum IgG content on-farm using a Brix refractometer and its performance was compared with that of an IgG ELISA. In addition, nutritional compositions of the colostrum samples were analyzed using Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. Colostrum samples (5 to 6 ml) (n=153) were obtained within 0 to 3 h of farrowing. However, to obtain a 24 h IgG profile for 11 sows, colostrum samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 and 24 h after farrowing. A 0.3 ml of freshly drawn colostrum sample was used for the on-farm measurement of Brix percentages using a digital refractometer shortly after collection. The remaining fractions of the samples were frozen and submitted to laboratory analysis for total IgG, using a commercially available pig IgG ELISA kit. For nutritional composition analysis, a 35 ml colostrum sample (n=34) was obtained immediately after birth of first piglet from the first three pairs of frontal teats. Colostrum concentrations of IgG averaged 52.03±30.70 mg/ml (mean±SEM) at 0 to 3 h after farrowing. Concentration of IgG decreased on average by 50% during the 1st day of lactation (P<0.01). Sow parity did not influence colostrum concentrations of IgG. Differences in colostrum composition were recorded between two herds and among the parity groups (P<0.05). The Brix refractometer measurement of colostrum and the corresponding log transformed IgG measurements from the ELISA were moderately correlated (r=0.63, P<0.001, n=153). Based on the classification we suggest here, low levels of IgG (14.5±1.8 mg/ml) were recorded for colostrum samples with Brix readings below 20%. Borderline colostrum IgG content (43.8±2.3 mg/ml) had Brix readings of 20% to 24%, adequate colostrum IgG content (50.7±2.1 mg/ml) had Brix % readings of 25% to 29% and very good IgG colostrum content (78.6±8.4 mg/ml) had Brix readings >30%. Colostrum IgG concentration is highly variable among sows, Brix measurement of a sows’ fresh colostrum is an inexpensive, rapid and satisfactorily accurate method of estimating IgG concentration, providing indication of differentiation between good and poor IgG content of colostrum.     

Humoral antibody response to cattle to formalinized Staphylococcus aureus vaccine.

Five cows were inoculated intradermally with formalinized Staphylococcus aureus suspension in Freund's complete adjunvant and the development of the humoral antibody response was followed as judged by the agglutination titer of sera, at various intervals post inoculation. Highest titers were observed at 78-87 days post inoculation. Agglutinating activity was found in IgM and IgG fractions (IgG1 and IgG2) of both serum and colostrum. The agglutinating activity of colostrum was significantly higher at 12 than at 24 and 36 h, post partum. However, no such activity was detected in either normal cow serum or colostrum against S. aureus.     

The effects of cobalt and iodine supplementation of the pregnant ewe diet on immunoglobulin G, vitamin E, T3 and T4 levels in the progeny

Sixty twin-bearing ewes were allocated to one of four dietary treatments investigating the effects of supplementary iodine or cobalt during late pregnancy on lamb serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and vitamin E concentrations, and lamb IgG absorption efficiency. Ewes were offered grass silage ad libitum supplemented with 800 g per ewe per day of a 190 g/kg crude protein (CP) concentrate from day 126 of gestation until parturition plus one of the following supplements (n = 15 per treatment); no supplement (C); 26.6 mg iodine per day for final 3 weeks pre partum (I-3); 26.6 mg iodine/day for final week pre partum (I-1); 20 mg cobalt/day for final 3 weeks pre partum (Co-3). Lambs were blood sampled at 24 and 72 h post partum for serum IgG and vitamin E concentrations. Ten lambs from C and I-3 were blood sampled at 1 h post partum for serum IgG, vitamin E, T3 and T4 concentrations. There were no differences in serum IgG, vitamin E or T4 values (P > 0.05) at 1 h post partum between lambs born to the C and I-3 ewes. T3 levels were lower in I-3 compared with C progeny (P < 0.05). Supplemental iodine reduced colostral IgG absorption efficiency (P < 0.001) and lamb serum IgG concentrations at 24 and 72 h post partum (P < 0.001). Serum vitamin E concentration in I-3 and I-1 lambs was lower than in Co-3 lambs at 24 h post partum, while at 72 h post partum I-3, I-1 and Co-3 lambs had significantly lower concentrations than C lambs (P < 0.001). Supplementing the ewe's diet with 26.6 mg/day of iodine for the final week of pregnancy reduced lamb serum IgG concentration at 24 and 72 h post partum. The lower total and free T3 values in the progeny of I-3-treated ewes suggest interference in the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones when ewes receive excessive dietary iodine for 3 weeks immediately pre partum. Based on these findings, the indications are that the toxicity level for iodine in the diet of the pregnant ewe should be lowered to 20 mg per ewe per day, equivalent to 40% of its current level. The finding that high-level cobalt supplementation during the final 3 weeks of pregnancy will have a negative effect on serum vitamin E concentration at 72 h post partum is a new and significant finding and previously has not been reported in the literature.     

Colostrum production by sows: variability of colostrum yield and immunoglobulin G concentrations

Colostrum provides newborn piglets with energy, immunoglobulins and growth, thereby playing an essential role in piglet survival. However, colostrum yield and composition are highly variable among sows. Some of the factors involved in this variability have been identified. The aim of the study was to confirm previous findings on a large number of animals and to investigate other potential factors of variation, such as the process of farrowing and the morphological changes of the mammary epithelium that occur during the 24 h post partum. The experiment was conducted on 16 Large White (LW) and 56 Landrace (LR)×Large White (LR×LW) crossbred sows of mixed parities and their litters. Most farrowings were induced at 113 days of gestation and all farrowings were attended. Each piglet was weighed at birth and 24 h after farrowing started (t24). Colostrum ingestion by individual piglets was estimated using piglet weight gains from birth to t24. Colostrum production by sows was estimated by summing up colostrum intakes by each piglet of the litter. Colostrum was collected at the onset of farrowing (t0) and at t24 to determine concentrations of immunoglobulins G (IgG), Na and K. Analyses of correlations and multiple regressions were performed to identify the variables involved in variation of colostrum yield and IgG concentrations. Colostrum yield was not related to litter size and weight (P>0.1). It was negatively correlated with the number of stillborn piglets (r=-0.33, P=0.005) and within-litter variation of piglet birth weight (r=-0.24, P=0.04). It was not related to the Na/K ratio in the colostrum, which is an indicator of the integrity of the mammary epithelium. When sows were categorised according to their level of colostrum yield, sows that produced a low yield of colostrum had more stillborn piglets at birth than the other sows (P<0.05) and tended to have a longer birth interval during the early process of parturition (P<0.1). At t24, concentrations of IgG in the colostrum were positively correlated with the Na/K ratio in the colostrum (r=0.53, P<0.001), which indicates the concomitance of the cessation of IgG transfer to the colostrum and the changes in the morphology of the mammary epithelium. This study points out the need for future research on the role of the hormones involved in both the process of parturition and lactogenesis in the relationship between stillbirth, process of parturition and colostrum production.     

Changes of insulin concentration in colostrum and milk of women, cows and sows

The method of whey extraction in order to determine insulin concentration in colostrum and milk was worked out, checked and applied. The observation of insulin changes showed high and similar insulin concentration in whey samples of women, cows and sows colostrum on the day before and in the day of parturition. One day after delivery hormone concentration maintained high in case of women and sows but in cow colostrum it decreased to 1/12 comparing to the level on the parturition day. During the postpartum following days it was decreasing gradually in the colostrum of all three examined species; the process was very fast in cows, slower in women and the slowest in sows.     

Effect of organic and inorganic selenium sources in sow diets on colostrum production and piglet response to a poor sanitary environment after weaning

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of the chemical form of selenium (Se) fed to sows (1) on production and immune quality of colostrum and (2) on piglet response to a deterioration of sanitary conditions after weaning. Twenty-two pregnant sows were assigned to receive a diet supplemented with 0.3 ppm Se from either sodium selenite (inorganic Se) or Se-enriched yeast (organic Se as Sel-Plex®; Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY, USA). Dietary treatments were applied during the last month of pregnancy and lactation. Blood samples were collected on sows before dietary treatment, on the day of weaning and 6 weeks later, and on three to five piglets within litters at birth, at weaning and 6 weeks post weaning. Whole blood was analysed for Se concentration. Colostrum samples were collected at 0, 3, 6 and 24 h post partum and milk samples on days 14 and 27 of lactation. Colostrum and milk were analysed for Se and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations. At weaning, 40 pairs of littermate piglets were moved to rooms where sanitary conditions were good or purposely deteriorated. Piglets were reared individually and fed ad libitum. After 15 days, piglets and feed refusals were weighed and a blood sample was collected to measure plasma haptoglobin concentration. When sows were fed organic Se, Se concentrations were increased by 33% in colostrum (P < 0.05), 89% in milk (P < 0.001) and by 28% in whole blood of piglets at weaning (P < 0.001). Colostrum production during the 24 h after the onset of farrowing and IgG concentrations in colostrum and milk did not significantly differ between the two groups of sows. Weaned piglets reared in good sanitary conditions grew faster (P < 0.001) than piglets housed in poor conditions. Sanitary conditions did not influence mean plasma haptoglobin concentrations of piglets (P > 0.1). The source of Se fed to the dams did not influence piglet performance or haptoglobin concentrations after weaning. These findings confirm that, compared with inorganic Se, organic Se fed to the dam is better transferred to colostrum and milk, and consequently to piglets. They indicate that the Se source influences neither colostrum production nor IgG concentrations in colostrum, and that the higher Se contents of piglets does not limit the reduction of growth performance when weaning occurs in experimentally deteriorated sanitary conditions.     

Effects of exogenous progesterone on gestation length, foetal survival and colostrum yield in ewes

Twin bearing mature ewes (n=40) were treated with exogenous progesterone (100mg daily in oil) or vehicle (oil control) from Day 143 of gestation until lambing to investigate the effects on gestation length, foetal survival and colostrum yield and composition. Compared to control ewes, progesterone treated ewes had increased (P<0.05) serum progesterone concentrations (by 4.3 ng/ml) before lambing and in the first day post-partum (by 10 ng/ml). Progesterone treatment increased gestation length (150.4+/-0.6 days versus 147.8+/-0.6 days, P<0.05) and colostrum yield at 1h after lambing (P<0.05) but the colostrum had a lower concentration of IgG (P=0.02). In the first 24h after lambing, total colostrum and IgG yields were not different between groups. Four (20%) of the progesterone treated ewes produced either one or two dead lambs, while one ewe died on day 155 without initiating the birth process. We conclude that the daily administration of 100mg progesterone resulted in extended gestation length and reduced lamb survival but did not lower colostrum yield.     

Hormonal Interrelationships in Postpartum Suckled Dairy Cows

Three cross-bred cows calved in March and April and were followed until day 62 after parturition. Each animal was suckled by 2 calves ad libitum. All calves were removed from the cows on day 55 after parturition. Blood was collected 3 times per day from the jugular vein by venipuncture. On 4 occasions after parturition - i.e. days 7–8, 21–22, 35–36 and 49–50, the cows were bled through a jugular venous catheter every 30 min during the 24 h. The plasma samples were analyzed for the content of 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2α (main PGF2α metabolite), LH, prolactin, Cortisol and progesterone by radioimmunoassay methods. The concentration of PGF2α increased from 280 to 730 pmol/1 within the last 4 days before parturition. The highest geometric mean was 3106 pmol/1 on the day of parturition. Thereafter a steady decrease of PGF2α metabolite concentration was seen until day 21 when it reached plateau at 148 pmo/1. In all cows plasma LH concentrations increased significantly (P<0.05) from about 1.6 µg/l on days 7–8 to 2.4 µg/1 on days 21–22 post partum. The frequency of LH pulses showed no tendency to increase as the postpartum period progressed and averaged 6.5 pulses/24 h. Mean plasma LH concentrations increased from 2.1 µg/l 2 days before weaning to 3.2 µg/l 2 days after weaning (P<0.05). LH peaks occurred less frequently in association with prolactin and Cortisol peaks than in their absence. A partial positive correlation between PGF2α metabolite and Cortisol (r = 0.30) was found on days 7–8 post partum. Correlation between prolactin and Cortisol on days 7–8 and 21–22 post partum was also positive (r = 0.20 and r = 0.27, respectively). There was a negative correlation between LH and Cortisol on days 7–8 (r = −0.27) and days 49–50 (r = −0.21) post partum. The first and short progesterone increase observed after weaning was terminated in conjuction with PGF2α metabolite peaks.     

Effect of gut active carbohydrates on plasma IgG concentrations in piglets and calves

Improving immune status in neonates is crucial to health and production. Gut active carbohydrates (GAC) have been associated with increasing immunoglobin levels and immonucompetence development in mammals. The objective of the following studies was to evaluate whether GAC (mannan-oligosaccharides) applied orally to progeny immediately following parturition, improved blood plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) type G concentrations in piglets and calves. Three trials were conducted comparing control groups with those receiving GAC orally. The first two trials used piglets that were monitored for blood IgG at 2 days of age and for changes in body weight (BW), and the third trial monitored calf IgG from birth to 21 days of age. Piglets in the experimental group received 0.75 g GAC in 10 ml saline at birth and 24 h of age. The calf trial compared the control group against calves that received 22.5 g GAC mixed into 4.5 l of colostrum (to give 5 g/l) in the first 24 h after parturition. Blood serum samples were taken at 2 days post partum in piglets, and at several time points from 6 h to 21 days of age in calves, and were analysed for IgG levels by radial immunodiffusion. In the first piglet trial, significantly higher levels (32%) of IgG were observed for piglets fed GAC (P < 0.001), and in the second, IgG concentration was elevated by 23% (P < 0.01) and BW increased by 9% (P = 0.023) with GAC supplementation. Significant improvements for calves were recorded at all time points in those fed GAC (P < 0.05), with an increase in serum IgG observed after the first day, which was maintained throughout the sampling period, resulting in a difference of 39% at the end of the trial (21 d). These findings form a basis for further studies, which are required to investigate possible modes of action involved in enhancing blood immunoglobulin concentrations in young animals, and the longer-term effects this may have on the development of the immune response.     

Reproductive and hormonal changes during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

Serum progesterone and urinary total estrogen concentrations were determined weekly to bi-weekly in 2 female Asian elephants for 96 weeks. The mean estrous interval was approximately 16 weeks in the nonpregnant animal. A total of 5 cycles were observed in the 96 week study period. The serum progesterone concentration ranged from 150 pg/ml to greater than 350 pg/ml during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The serum progesterone was elevated for 8–12 week weeks of the 16 week estrous cycle. The urinary total estrogen concentration ranged from less than 10 to greater than 300 pg/μg creatinine. The second animal was pregnant at the beginning of the study period. The serum progesterone concentration was elevated (> 100 pg/ml) in the pregnant animal until parturition. The urinary total estrogens increased from approximately 50 pg/μg creatinine to greater than 400 pg/μg creatinine during the first year of pregnancy and remained elevated until parturition. Estrous cycling had not resumed by 3 months post partum.     

Progesterone levels and litter performance of sows following postpartum administration of prostaglandin F(2alpha)

A total of 101 sows was used to examine postpartum progesterone levels and litter performance following administration of 15 mg prostaglandins F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha) n = 48) given within 12 h after farrowing. Daily blood samples and rectal temperatures were taken from all sows during the first 3 d post partum. Plasma progesterone (P(4)) concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Regardless of treatment, plasma P(4) levels for all sows decreased in a similar fashion over the 3 d sampled. Mean (+/- SEM) P(4) on Day 2 (0.55 +/- 0.06 ng/ml) and Day 3 (0.38 +/- 0.04 ng/ml) were lower (P<0.01) than on Day 1 (0.98 +/- 0.08 ng/ml). Rectal temperature did not differ between PGF(2alpha) treated and nontreated sows nor was it different over the days measured. Litter characteristics, including survival rates on Day 7 and at weaning, and body weight on Days 3 and 35, were not affected by treatment. It was concluded that PGF(2alpha) administration to sows within 12 h post farrowing had no affect on the rate of luteal regression, as determined by P(4) concentration, nor on subsequent litter performance.     

Bovine colostrum fraction as a serum substitute for the cultivation of mouse hybridomas

Summary Fractions of bovine colostrum were prepared and their ability to support the growth of mouse-mouse hybridomas in culture was tested. Whey was prepared from defatted colostrum by removal of casein using acid precipitation. An ultrafiltrate was obtained from cleared whey by filtration through membranes with a nominal molecular mass cut-off of 100 000 Da. Colostrum ultrafiltrate contained 1.16 g/l protein, 0.24 g/l immunoglobulin G (IgG) and less than 0.24 EU (endotoxin unit)/ml endotoxins. The effect of defatted colostrum, whey and ultrafiltrate as serum substitutes was examined by cultivation of hybridoma cells in minimal essential medium containing different concentrations of the supplements. Under optimal conditions in ultrafiltrate-supplemented medium, the maximal cell concentration was 35–40% of that obtained using 10% foetal bovine serum, and IgG production per cell was equal to that achieved using serum. In 1% defatted colostrum the maximum hybridoma concentration was about 30% of that in 10% serum, but at higher concentrations hybridoma growth was significantly reduced. The growth-promoting activity of whey was low. The results show that bovine colostrum ultrafiltrate provides a very attractive alternate to serum for production of monoclonal antibodies. Correspondence to: R. Pakkanen     

Serum progesterone concentration in pyometritic and normal postpartum dairy cows

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the concentration of serum progesterone in pyometritic cows and relate it to palpation of ovarian structures per rectum . In Trial 1, serum samples from 34 pyometritic cows were assayed for progesterone. Mean serum progesterone concentrations were 6.8 +/- 0.7 ng/ml. In Trial 2, each of 54 pyometritic cows was paired with a control cow on the basis of days post partum (18-50 days). Mean concentration of progesterone was 9.7 +/- 1.0 ng/ml for the pyometritic cows and 5.7 +/- 0.8 ng/ml in control cows (P<0.005). Progesterone concentration was greater (P<0.005) in both groups of cows with palpable corpora lutea (CLs). Ninety-six percent of the pyometritic cows had palpable CLs compared to 57% of the control group. Comparing serum progesterone only in cows with a palpable CL, the mean concentration was still greater (P<0.005) in the pyometritic group (10.6 +/- 1.0 ng/ml) than the control group (6.6 +/- 1.0 ng/ml). Compatability of rectal palpation findings and concentrations of serum progesterone were 92.6% for the pyometritic group and 72.2% for the control group. Progesterone concentration increased (P<0.05) by increased days post partum in Trial 2 (n=54) but not in Trial 1 (n=23). In both Trials 1 and 2, uterine size due to pyometra increased (P<0.05) with increased days post partum. No other associations were found.     

Serum cholesterol and triglycerides in postpartum beef cows and their relationship to the resumption of ovulation

The variations in lipid metabolism according to the physiological stage and their relationship to the resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity were assessed in Limousine beef cows fed a grass diet over 3 yr. Weekly blood samples were collected from 59 cows beginning 10 wk before to 20 wk after calving to evaluate serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and electrophoretic lipoprotein fractions. After parturition, progesterone concentrations were also measured at weekly intervals to determine time of resumption of ovulation. Cows were categorized by resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity into 3 groups: early (4 to 6 wk post partum, n = 36); mid (7 to 10 wk post partum, n = 46) and late (after 11 wk post partum, n = 38). Higher serum triglyceride values (P<0.05) were observed during the last 10 wk of pregnancy (0.36+/-0.15 g/L) than during the first 20 wk of suckling (0.29+/-0.09 g/L). Cholesterol values decreased significantly (P<0.05) at the end of pregnancy, were minimal (1.01+/-0.03 g/L) at parturition, and increased again up to 9 wk post calving. Increased cholesterolemia and low serum triglyceride values after calving could be linked to the increased bovine alpha-lipoprotein fraction and decreased beta fraction. Serum triglyceride concentrations were not related to the resumption of postpartum ovarian cyclicity. Higher serum cholesterol values were observed from 2 wk before to 4 wk after calving in cows with early rather than mid and late resumption of ovarian cyclicity. Therefore, modifications in lipid metabolism during the puerperium seem to be related to resumption of cyclicity during the early postpartum period.     

Changes in plasma progesterone and prolactin concentrations during the annual cycle and the role of prolactin in the maintenance of lactation and luteal development in the Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella)

Progesterone in Antarctic fur seals was undetectable from 1-2 days before parturition to 4-6 days after parturition. There was a rapid increase in progesterone to 20 ng/ml between 6 and 10 days post partum and this increase coincided with peak concentrations of oestradiol-17 beta at the time normally associated with oestrus and mating in this species. Newly formed corpora lutea were present in the ovaries by Day 9 post partum even though the seals had been isolated in an enclosure and not mated. Thereafter, progesterone remained detectable, but at a low concentration (5 ng/ml) throughout embryonic diapause. A similar pattern was observed in unmated females which suggests they enter a period of pseudopregnancy. Progesterone increased to 35 ng/ml between late February and mid-March, indicating activation of the corpus luteum at the end of diapause, and then declined slowly through the remainder of gestation. Plasma prolactin, measured against a human prolactin standard, was elevated from 1-2 days before parturition and peaked at 0-3 days post partum. It then declined slowly throughout the post-partum period and remained at a low level throughout embryonic diapause. Prolactin concentration declined to undetectable at the end of diapause and before the end of lactation. Reduction of prolactin secretion by injections of bromocriptine from Days 3 to 5 post-partum terminated lactation. Mothers, which normally leave their pups to feed at sea on about Day 7 post partum, did not continue to lactate beyond Day 7 although this did not appear to be associated with reduced prolactin secretion. Bromocriptine treatment appeared to prevent the post-ovulatory surge of progesterone although there was no long-term effect of bromocriptine on progesterone secretion during the early stages of embryonic diapause/pseudopregnancy. This study has shown that prolactin is an important hormone for maintaining early lactation in the fur seal and it probably also has a role in the control of ovulation and luteal development. Prolactin does not appear to be implicated in the control of lactation cycles in fur seals. Changes in plasma progesterone during the annual cycle show that the pattern in fur seals resembles that of some carnivores with embryonic diapause.     

Passive immunization of piglets against enterotoxigenic colibacillosis by vaccinating dams with K88ac pili bearing bacterins

Day-old-piglets were passively immunized by vaccinating the pregnant sows with K88ac enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) vaccine. High level of ETEC specific antibodies was excreted in colostrum (3733.33 +/- 1152.13) and maintained a detectable level (100.00 +/- 0.00) up to 21 day post partum (DPP). The IgG was the predominant immunoglobulin followed by IgA and IgM. Piglets born of vaccinated dam (group A) and unvaccinated dam (group B) were challenged in 7 day of age. Clinical and faecal scores were significantly (P < 0.01) low in group A than that of group B. Piglets of group A developed mild diarrhoea (33.33%), while all the control piglets developed profuse diarrhoea and 3 of these died before 14 day of challenge infection.     

Impact of volume,immunoglobulin G concentration,and feeding method of colostrum product on neonatal nursing behavior and transfer of passive immunity in beef calves

One-third of beef calves fail to achieve adequate transfer of passive immunity (TPI) through timely ingestion of colostrum, which substantially increases their risk of preweaning morbidity and mortality. Two randomized clinical trials were designed to assess the impact of volume, immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, and feeding method of colostrum product on neonatal nursing behavior and TPI. In Trial 1, 47 calves were randomly assigned to receive one of three colostrum interventions by oro-esophageal tube feeder (OET): 1 L with 100 g/L IgG, 1.4 L with 70 g/L IgG, or 2 L with 100 g/L IgG. In Trial 2, 29 calves were randomly assigned to be fed 1 L of colostrum product with 100 g/L IgG by either nipple bottle (NB) or OET. Colostrum intervention (i.e. feeding of colostrum product) occurred within 60 minutes of birth. Cow-calf pairs were monitored by video surveillance in individual stalls for 24 h. Dam colostrum was collected at 10 minutes and calf serum was collected at 24–36 h after birth to assess IgG concentration. Differences among colostrum intervention groups on latency to stand and nurse were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard models. The impact of colostrum intervention group on TPI was assessed using multivariable linear regression modeling. In Trial 1, calves fed 1.4 L with 70 g/L IgG by OET nursed from their dams statistically significantly earlier compared to calves fed 1 L with 100 g/L IgG (P = 0.003) and calves fed 2 L with 100 g/L IgG (P = 0.008). Six of the 15 calves in the NB group in Trial 2 refused to consume part of the colostrum feeding offered by bottle and required follow-up tube feeding of the remaining volume. These calves were analyzed as a separate group (NB + OET). Calves fed 1 L by NB stood and nursed statistically significantly earlier than calves fed by OET (P = 0.005) or a combination of NB + OET (P = 0.003). Calf serum IgG concentrations were not statistically significantly different among colostrum intervention groups (P > 0.1). Overall, the colostrum interventions assessed in this study led to only one calf with failed TPI. While statistically significant differences in serum IgG concentrations were not detected in this study, subsequent nursing behavior did vary and was improved by feeding a moderate volume (1.4 L with 70 g/L IgG) of colostrum when using an OET, and by using the NB when feeding a smaller volume (1 L with 100 g/L IgG).     

IgG absorption by Santa Ines lambs fed Holstein bovine colostrum or Santa Ines ovine colostrum

The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunoglobulin G (IgG) absorption by Santa Ines lambs under two colostrum management systems usually used by producers. Twenty-seven Santa Ines newborn lambs received two meals of 250 ml of bovine colostrum from Holstein cows (BC group) or ovine colostrum from Santa Ines ewes (OC group) at 0 and 6 h of life. Pools of BC and OC were analyzed by radial immunodiffusion to quantify IgG. Results are expressed as least-square means and standard errors of mean (means ± s.e.m.). The concentration of IgG in bovine and ovine pools averaged 115.7 ± 20.5 and 48.1 ± 5.0 mg/ml, respectively, levels of concentration found in similar regular colostrum managements. The efficiency of IgG absorption was evaluated under two aspects, maximum apparent efficiency of absorption and total apparent efficiency of absorption (AEAmax and AEAtotal, respectively). The AEAmax was calculated taking into account the mass of IgG ingested just in the first meal of colostrum at birth and the serum IgG concentration at 6 h while the AEAtotal took into account the serum IgG concentration at 24 h of life that reflects the first colostrum offered at birth and the second meal at 6 h. The IgG and apparent efficiency of absorption results were transformed into the square root and log base 10, respectively, and were presented as geometric least-square means. In BC, lower (P < 0.05) AEAmax and AEAtotal were verified (14.2% and 15.6%, respectively), in relation to OC (23.6% and 24.4%, respectively). Serum IgG concentrations at 24 h were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in BC (31.4 mg/ml, respectively) compared with OC (22.2 mg/ml, respectively). The results in this study confirm that there is a limitation to the process of IgG absorption by the enterocytes of newborn lambs, which determined a nonlinear behavior of passive immunity acquisition. Similar values of AEAmax and AEAtotal for the two sources of colostrum reveal that the process of IgG absorption from the first and second meals during the first 6 h of life did not change and indicates that the ingestion of a second feeding of quality colostrum can enhance the acquisition of immune protection of newborn lambs.     

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

The objective of this work was to investigate the evaluation of swine colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration using the Brix refractometer. Colostrum samples were collected across all teats, from 124 sows of mixed parities. According to sampling time, three categories were created: samples available from 9 h before the onset of parturition until the first piglet was born were classified as before farrowing; samples collected after the first birth until 4 h later were classified as during farrowing; and finally samples collected from this point until 14 h after parturition, were classified as after farrowing. Samples were drawn and divided into three portions; one was immediately analyzed, a second was refrigerated and the third was frozen at −20°C. Fresh and refrigerated colostrum samples were analyzed at the farm with a Brix refractometer. IgG content of frozen samples was analyzed using a Brix refractometer, with a subset of 42 samples also tested with a commercially available radial immune diffusion (RID) kit. The Brix percentage ranged from 18.3% to 33.2%. Brix percentage repeatability, assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), was very strong (fresh ICC=0.98, refrigerated ICC=0.88 and frozen ICC=0.99). One-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed that storage temperature did not affect BRIX percentage of colostrum IgG (P>0.05). ANOVA results show a significant effect of sampling time on colostrum immunoglobulin concentration, measured with both Brix and RID (Brix: P<0.003; RID: P<0.05). Immunoglobulin G concentration measured by RID ranged from 13.27 to 35.08 mg/ml. Pearson correlation coefficient revealed that Brix percentage was positively correlated (r=0.56, P<0.001) with RID results (regression equation: RID=1.01 (±0.2) Brix −1.94 (±5.66); R²=0.31). The results of this study indicate that the Brix refractometer provides a simple, fast and inexpensive estimation of colostrum IgG in sows.