Prenatal and lactational transmission of Toxocara canis and Ancylostoma caninum: experimental infection of the bitch at midpregnancy and at parturition

The degree of prenatal transmission and both the degree and longevity of lactogenic transmission of Toxocara canis, and Ancylostoma caninum to pups were studied in Beagle bitches which were experimentally infected with both parasites at either mid-pregnancy or within 48 h following parturition. Pups born to infected bitches were removed at birth and raised by a surrogate parasite-free mother until 4 weeks of age when pups were necropsied to determine prenatal infections. At the beginning of each week of lactation, a new group of four parasite-free pups was placed with each infected bitch. After nursing an infected bitch for 1 week, each group was transferred to an uninfected bitch for at least 3 additional weeks of nursing after which the pups were necropsied to recover and tabulate parasites acquired lactationally from the infected bitch. When bitches were infected at mid-pregnancy, 95.5% of the ascarids were transmitted prenatally to their own off-spring and 4.5% of the asearids were transmitted lactationally to weekly rotated pups. Ascarids were transmitted via the milk during each of 5 weeks of lactation, with transmission of consistently higher numbers during weeks 1–3 than in weeks 4 and 5. Infection of bitches at parturition denied ascarids the prenatal route of transmission but resulted in greater numbers of ascarids being passed through the milk for each of 4 consecutive weeks of lactation. Transmission of hookworms was solely by the lactational route. With mid-pregnancy infections, a significantly higher number of hookworms (63.1 %) were transmitted during the first of 5 weeks of lactation; progressively fewer were passed in subsequent weeks. With infections at parturition, only 27.8% of hookworms were transmitted through the milk during the first week of nursing but large numbers were transferred in weeks 2 (36.9%) and 3 (26.7%). The quantity of parasites transmitted in the milk was not significantly different among weeks 1, 2 and 3.     

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.     

Colostral Trypsin-Inhibitor Capacity in Different Animal Species

Colostral trypsin-inhibitor capacity was monitored during the first two weeks from parturition. The colostrum of the mare, sow, cow and ewe showed high antitrypsin activity at parturition, decreasing to about one hundredth during the first week. Canine milk remained on a relatively high antitrypsin level, and human milk was poor in antitrypsin from childbirth. The antitrypsin content seems to parallel the known changes in the colostral immunoglobulin levels of different species. The role of antitrypsin in protection of immunoglobulins from proteolytic damage during passive transfer of immunity to the newborn is obvious.     

Evidence of cross-transfer of maternal antibodies through allosuckling in a mammal: Potential importance for behavioral ecology

The transfer of maternal antibodies is a critical mechanism for the early life survival of vertebrate newborns. In mammals, passive transfer of immune compounds can occur prenatally through the placenta and postnatally through the consumption of colostrum and milk. In social mammals, it has been hypothesized that allosuckling may be a way for pups to broaden and strengthen their passive access to antibodies after birth, but empirical evidence for this mechanism is still lacking. In order to investigate the potential for the occurrence of a cross-transfer of antibodies between pups exposed to several females, we bred in a common environment groups of two females Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), each previously injected with a different vaccine. Here we report the dynamics of passively acquired specific antibodies in the serum of newborns, showing that pups acquired antibodies from both females of a group. Our result provides the first experimental evidence of a cross-transfer between litters of passively acquired antibodies. We discuss how such evidence opens perspectives for exploring the potential importance of horizontal transfer of immunity in natural host–parasite systems and how this could be used as a tool to answer important behavioral ecology questions.     

Effect of short-term hypothyroidism on reproduction in the bitch

Hypothyroidism in bitches has been reported to cause a variable interestrus interval, infertility, abortion, and stillbirth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of experimentally induced hypothyroidism in bitches on fertility, pregnancy, parturition, and neonatal health. Eighteen healthy multiparous bitches were used; hypothyroidism was induced (by radioiodine administration) in nine bitches and the remaining nine served as untreated controls. After breeding, bitches were evaluated for pregnancy, fetal resorption, gestation length, litter size, duration and strength of uterine contractions (during parturition), interval between delivery of pups, viability of pups at birth, periparturient survival, and weight of pups at birth through 4 weeks of age. Bitches were bred a median of 19 weeks after induction of hypothyroidism. All bitches became pregnant and delivered term litters. There was no difference in the interestrus interval, litter size, or gestation length between hypothyroid and control bitches. Duration of uterine contractions was longer, but contraction strength was weaker in hypothyroid than control bitches; however, the interval between delivery of pups was not affected. Periparturient puppy mortality was significantly higher in litters from hypothyroid bitches. Viability scores and weight at birth were significantly lower in pups from hypothyroid bitches than controls. There was no difference between groups in pup weight gain during the first 4 weeks, in the interval from birth to the eyes opened, or to the onset of walking. Although hypothyroidism of relatively short duration did not affect fertility, it prolonged parturition and reduced pup survival in the periparturient period.     

新生幼犬的被动免疫研究

新生幼犬通过初乳获得的被动免疫,对它的生存非常重要,本研究用犬的多价免疫血清代替初乳作为幼犬保护性免疫球蛋白,对生后2 d内不能获得初乳的幼犬,以及虽然获得初乳但初乳中特异性免疫球蛋白含量较低的幼犬进行了被动免疫试验。对5窝35只幼犬在生后,随机分为吃初乳的对照组、口服血清组、皮下注射血清组、以及口服和皮下注射血清又吃初乳5个组,在幼犬出生时、及出生后48 h和第5天采血,测定犬细小病毒、犬传染性肝炎、和犬副流感的血凝抑制（HI）抗体效价。结果表明：对没有吃到初乳的仔犬,通过早期口服或皮下注射途径给予成年犬的血清,均能代替初乳供给幼犬免疫球蛋白。对吃到初乳的仔犬,能进一步提高幼犬体内特异性抗体水平,但以皮下注射途径最佳。     

The induction of parturition in the bitch using sodium cloprostenol

The objectives of this studies were to determine a continuous low-dose treatment regimen for the administration of sodium cloprostenol to the bitch that did not cause polydipsia, and whether this treatment would induce normal and timed parturition in bitches during late pregnancy. Non-pregnant greyhound bitches (n=18) received sodium cloprostenol subcutaneously, via a miniosmotic pump, at dose rates of 0.875 to 4.5 microg/kg/24 h, for 7 days (Days 0 to 7). Daily water intake was measured from Day -2 to Day 9. Polydipsia was observed in bitches treated with the higher dose rates but not in bitches treated with the lowest dose rate of 0.875 microg/kg/24 h. In the second experiment, pregnant greyhound bitches received sodium cloprostenol at dose rates of 1 (n=4), 2 (n=1) and 3 microg/kg/24 h (n=1), on Day 57 of pregnancy. Polydipsia was observed in bitches treated at the higher dose rates of 2 and 3 microg/kg/24 h, but not in the bitches treated at the lower dose rate of 1 microg/kg/24 h. These treatments resulted in the successful induction of parturition. Parturition was associated with a decrease in plasma progesterone concentrations, a reduction in body temperature, and an increase in plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2alpha. The first puppy was born 37.7 +/- 2.9 h after the start of treatment (range 28 to 46 h). The duration of whelping was approximately 15.7 +/- 2.2 h (range 10 to 24 h). The litter size was 9.2 +/- 0.8 pups (range 6 to 12 pups), and the puppy survival rate was 6.0 +/- 0.8 per litter (range 4 to 9 pups). This study demonstrated that the administration of sodium cloprostenol in continuous low dose for 24 h is an effective treatment for the induction of parturition in bitches during late pregnancy. This treatment resulted in the birth of healthy pups, with minimal or no side effects to the bitch.     

Effects of Maternal Antibodies on Protection and Development of Antibody Responses to Human Rotavirus in Gnotobiotic Pigs

Although maternal antibodies can protect against infectious disease in infancy, they can also suppress active immune responses. The effects of circulating maternal antibodies, with and without colostrum and milk antibodies, on passive protection and active immunity to human rotavirus (HRV) were examined in gnotobiotic pigs. Pigs received intraperitoneal injections of high-titer serum (immune pigs [groups 1 and 2]) from immunized sows, low-titer serum from naturally infected sows (control pigs [groups 3 and 4]), or no serum (group 5). Immune or control colostrum and milk were added to the diet of groups 2 and 4, respectively. After inoculation (3 to 5 days of age) and challenge (postinoculation day [PID] 21) with virulent HRV, the effects of maternal antibodies on protection (from diarrhea and virus shedding), and on active antibody responses (measured by quantitation of antibody-secreting cells [ASC] in intestinal and systemic lymphoid tissues by ELISPOT) were evaluated. Groups 1 and 2 had significantly less diarrhea and virus shedding after inoculation but higher rates of diarrhea and virus shedding after challenge than did groups 3 and 5. Group 1 and 2 pigs had significantly fewer immunoglobulin A (IgA) ASC in intestinal tissues at PID 21 and at postchallenge day (PCD) 7 compared to group 5. Significantly fewer IgG ASC were present in the intestines of group 2 pigs at PID 21 and PCD 7 compared to group 5. There was a trend towards fewer ASC in intestinal tissues of group 2 than group 1, from PID 21 on, with significantly fewer IgA ASC at PCD 7. IgG ASC in the duodenum and mesenteric lymph nodes of group 3 and 4 pigs were significantly fewer than in group 5 at PCD 7. These decreases in ASC emphasize the role of passive antibodies in impairing induction of ASC rather than in merely suppressing the function of differentiated B cells. To be successful, vaccines intended for populations with high titers of maternal antibodies (infants in developing countries) may require higher titers of virus, multiple doses, or improved delivery systems, such as the use of microencapsulation or immune stimulating complexes, to overcome the suppressive effects of maternal antibodies.     

Maternal and neonatal somatomedin C/insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF binding proteins during early lactation in the pig

RIA for insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was performed on Tris-neutralized, acid-ethanol extracts of porcine, bovine, ovine and human mammary secretions, and porcine maternal and neonatal sera. High levels (50-500 ng/ml) of immunoreactive IGF-I were present in the colostrum of all three animal species. IGF-I was also identified in porcine milk, though at levels 10- to 100-fold reduced relative to that in colostrum. Maternal (pig) sera was characterized by IGF-I concentrations intermediate between that in colostrum and that in milk. IGF-I levels were relatively low in serum of newborn pigs and exhibited an approximately 1.4-fold increase between Days 3 and 7 of postnatal life. Fractionation of pig colostrum in nondenaturing, gel-filtration columns demonstrated association of endogenous IGF-I with two prominent binding proteins (Mr's of 150,000 and 50,000 for the complexes). A third immunoreactive component was also observed to elute in the column void volume fractions (Mr greater than 158,000). The 150,000 and 50,000 Mr complexes were also present in serum obtained from sows at term. In contrast, IGF-I immunoreactivity in porcine milk was localized exclusively in the 150,000 Mr complex. Incubation of porcine colostrum and milk with 125I-IGF-I revealed a prominent, unoccupied IGF binding protein corresponding to that of the 150,000 Mr complex, whereas serum obtained from sows at term displayed both the 150,000 and 50,000 Mr unoccupied forms. Fractionation of (pooled) serum obtained from porcine neonates immediately at birth revealed a heterogeneous pattern of IGF-I immunoreactivity which included both the 150,000 and 50,000 Mr forms. Qualitative differences in this chromatographic pattern were apparent in serum at 6 hr postnatal and after ingestion of colostrum had occurred. The unoccupied IGF binding proteins in newborn pig serum were solely of the small size class. These results demonstrate that mammary secretion of IGF-I and its binding proteins are temporally regulated during the period immediately surrounding parturition. Physiologic alterations in the serum IGF-I profile during early postnatal life may reflect in part the uptake and/or response of the neonate to maternal IGF-I.     

Serologic response of captive coyotes (Canis latrans Say) to canine parvovirus and accompanying profiles of canine coronavirus titers

Fifty-five of 66 (83%) coyote pups from bitches vaccinated against canine parvovirus (CPV) were seropositive for CPV antibodies at birth. The CPV antibody titer in the pups declined with a half-life of 6.7 days until by the 8th week, only two of 41 (5%) pups were seropositive for CPV antibodies. At 8 wk, 41 of the pups were vaccinated against CPV (killed feline origin vaccine), but only one of 37 (3%) was positive for CPV antibodies at 11 wk. The 8-wk-old pups were either too young to respond to the CPV vaccine; they had sufficient undetectable, maternally-derived CPV antibodies to block active immunization; 3 wk was not a sufficient time for an immunological response from the pups; or the vaccine was poorly antigenic. Twenty of the 66 pups (30%) were seropositive for canine coronavirus (CCV) antibodies at birth, and all but three of the 20 were whelped from bitches that were also seropositive for CCV antibodies. Vaccination of females prior to whelping appeared to provide protection to their pups from CPV-induced mortality.     

Trypsin Inhibitor and Immunoglobulins in Porcine Colostrum

The specific trypsin inhibitor in porcine colostrum first described by Laskowski et al. (1957) is assumed to protect maternal antibodies in colostrum during absorption from the gut of the neonatal piglets (Baintner 1973). Investigations of Jensen & Pedersen have shown that the serum levels of IgG and IgA in newborn suckling piglets depend on both the immunoglobulin and the trypsin inhibitor levels in the colostrum of their mothers. Accordingly, the sow colostrum trypsin inhibitor (SCTI) is essential in order to ensure optimal systemic antibody protection to the newborn and young piglets. The secretory IgA in colostrum and milk, which gives local passive immunity to the gastro-intestinal tract of the piglets (Bourne 1973), is assumed in itself to be relatively resistant against proteolytic degradation (Tomasi & Bienenstock 1968).     

Passive immunity to bovine rotavirus infection associated with transfer of serum antibody into the intestinal lumen.

The effect of circulating passive antibody on immunity to bovine rotavirus infections in neonatal calves was investigated. In the first experiment, rotavirus antibody titers in the small intestinal lumina of 5- and 10-day-old calves with a wide range of serum rotavirus antibody titers were determined. Neutralizing antibody was present in the small intestinal lumina in titers that correlated with the calves' serum titers (r = +0.84, P less than 0.01). Immunoglobulin G1 was the predominant isotype of intestinal luminal rotavirus antibody. Calves not fed colostrum during the absorptive period lacked rotavirus antibody in circulation and in the intestinal lumen at 7 days of age, even when they were fed large volumes of colostrum with a high rotavirus antibody titer at 48 h after birth. Therefore, rotavirus antibody is not retained in the intestinal lumen for 5 days following a colostrum meal, and the luminal antibody in the 5- and 10-day-old seropositive calves were probably derived from circulating antibody. In a second experiment, calves were passively immunized by subcutaneous injection of colostral whey with a high immunoglobulin G1 rotavirus antibody titer and challenged with virulent bovine rotavirus 48 h later. The passively immunized calves were protected from rotavirus infection and diarrhea compared with calves with comparable serum immunoglobulin concentrations but with lower serum rotavirus with lower serum rotavirus antibody titers. The results of these experiments indicate that circulating immunoglobulin G1 antibody appears in the gastrointestinal tract of neonatal calves and that circulating rotavirus antibody can prevent infection and diarrhea after rotavirus challenge.     

Lipid composition and vitamin E content in human colostrum and mature milk

Lipidic components, as well as fatty acid composition and vitamin E content were determined in colostrum (days 3-5 of postpartum) and mature milk (day 21) in 8 women from Murcia (Spain). Triglycerides concentration was higher and cholesterol and esterified cholesterol were lower in mature milk than in colostrum, whereas phospholipid content was similar. These differences indicate that the diameter of milk fat globules increases in mature milk. The percentage of medium-chain fatty acids (12:0 and 14:0) increased in mature milk as compared to colostrum, reflecting de novo synthesis of fatty acids. With the only exception of stearic acid which was lower in mature milk than in colostrum, the remaining long-chain fatty acids was similar. The proportion of both linoleic (18:2) and eicosapentaenoic (20:5) acids found in mature milk and colostrum is higher than in studies from other countries and may reflect the intake of high proportions of polyunsaturated fat from vegetable oils and fish in the studied women. Both vitamin E content and vitamin E/linoleic acid ratio in mature milk are lower than in colostrum, evidencing the efficient mechanism of mammary gland vitamin E uptake around parturition.     

Specific cross-protective antigonococcal immunity in the murine genital tract

Specific acquired immunity to gonococci was studied in systemically immunized mice, challenged with 10(7) gonococci by intrauterine inoculation. Protection after intraperitoneal immunization was monitored by vaginal cultures taken 24 h post-challenge, since events during the first 24 h postexposure to gonococci are crucial in determining the outcome of infection. Mice were protected against gonococcal challenge by two inoculations with either live or boiled gonococci given 4 weeks apart, whereas immunization with one inoculation did not protect against challenge 1 week later. Protection was correlated with high titers of IgG antibody in serum after two immunizations, but not with the high titers of serum IgM antibody found after the one immunization. IgG antibodies, but not IgM antibodies, were shown to pass into genital secretions. Protection could be passively transferred by serum with high titers of antibody. Of most practical importance was the finding that not only were heat-stable antigens protective, but also heterologous protection resulted after immunization with three strains differing in source (disseminated gonococcal infection versus gonorrhea), opacity-transparency characteristics, and serum sensitivity. The data indicate that IgG antibodies resulting from systemic immunization with heat-stable antigens may be able to provide cross-protection immunity against gonorrhea.     

PASSIVE IMMUNITY AND ITS TWSFER WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE HORSE

1. There are relatively few references in the literature on the transfer of passive immunity to the newly born foal. Transmission of immunity has been established as being post-natal in origin. At birth the serum is apparently agammaglobulinaemic and only trace levels of antibody are detectable. Peak levels of immunity are reached a few hours after ingestion of colostrum. 2. Immune proteins derived from the dam's serum are selectively concentrated in the mammary gland before parturition. In the horse the predominant immuno-globulins of colostrum are IgG and IgG(T). 3. The mechanism of absorption of colostral proteins by the newborn animal is complex and there are considerable species differences. In newly born ungulates the uptake is effected into specialized epithelial cells of the small intestine by pinocytosis. This is followed by transfer of the proteins across the cell, their extrusion into the lamina propria and into the lymphatics before they reach the systemic circulation. 4. The absorption of macromolecules occurs without degradation in neonatal ungulates, is non-selective and can be enhanced by solvent factors in the colostrum. The duration of transfer is influenced by stress and the administration of adrenal corticoids. 5. The period of absorption in ungulates is short (< 48 hr.) compared to that in rats and mice (13–21 days). In the foal the small intestine is permeable to macro-molecules for less than 24 hr. after birth. 6. After birth there is a gradual decline in the concentration of protective antibody to insignificant levels by 5–6 months. The foal shows evidence of active immunity from one to 3 months of age. 7. A transient proteinuria is detectable in newly born animals fed colostrum soon after birth. This proteinuria occurred in two phases, initially there were rising levels of urinary protein followed by sharply declining levels to 36 hr. of life. Feeding high protein colostrum during and after the time of intestinal closure did not prolong the period of proteinuria. The constituents of the proteinuria were almost exclusively low molecular weight proteins of milk of colostral origin, β-lactoglobulin and α-lact-albumin. 8. The importance of neonatal infections in the foal has been well documented but there are few accounts of its relation to passive immunity. 9. A natural immunological incompatibility, haemolytic disease, occurs in the horse. The disease can be diagnosed in the mare in late pregnancy and prevented in the foal by completely withholding the dam's colostrum for 24 hr. of life.     

Hormonal changes in spontaneous and aglépristone-induced parturition in dogs

To increase our understanding of the endocrine changes associated with parturition in dogs, plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4), 15-ketodihydroprostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGFM), estradiol-17-beta (E2beta), cortisol, ACTH, prolactin (PRL), LH, and FSH were measured in six spontaneously whelping bitches and in six bitches in which parturition was induced with the progesterone-receptor blocker aglépristone on day 58 of pregnancy. Expulsion of pups in the induced group took place in the presence of P4 concentrations that were still elevated. PGFM concentrations increased before parturition in both groups, but levels were lower in the induced bitches. PGFM levels reached a maximum in both groups during parturition and quickly decreased in the spontaneously whelping group after parturition, but remained elevated in the induced group. In both groups, cortisol concentrations reached similar maximum levels during the last 30 h before the onset of expulsion. During the 3 days postpartum, cortisol concentrations were higher in the induced group. The highly variable ACTH concentrations did not differ significantly throughout the study within or between groups. In both groups, E2beta concentrations decreased and PRL concentrations increased between the late gestational period and the 30-h period before parturition. Concentrations of both LH (spontaneously whelping group) and FSH (both groups) decreased between late gestation and the postpartum period. The results of this study illustrate the hormonal changes around parturition in the bitch, and reveal that aglépristone-induced parturition is associated with still incomplete luteolysis, an altered PGFM profile, and elevated postpartum cortisol concentrations as compared with spontaneously whelping dogs.     

Trypanosoma gambiense: Immune responses of neonatal rats receiving antibodies from the female

Offspring of control female rats received colostrum from females immune to Trypanosoma gambiense after birth. Subsequently, these offspring had high titers of agglutinating and phagocytosis-promoting activities in their sera. They were not protected against challenge infection, although a delay of parasitemia and extended survival were often observed. On the other hand, the offspring of immune females, which had received colostrum from control females after birth, showed low agglutinating and phagocytosis-promoting activities in their sera; 50% were protected against infection. It was concluded that antibodies (IgG) passing through the placenta of immunized females were more effective than antibodies (IgA) derived from colostrum from immunized females in protecting offspring against trypanosome infection. Phagocytosis-promoting activity was detected in both colostral IgA-rich fractions from the colostra of immunized females and serum IgA-rich fractions from the control females' offspring, which had received colostrum from immune females. Pepsin digestion resulted in the loss of such activity. It is possible that the phagocytosis-promoting activity of IgA antibodies was not present in the products obtained by means of pepsin treatment.     

Bovine colostrum or milk as a serum substitute for the cultivation of a mouse hybridoma

A mouse-mouse hybridoma was grown in serum-free medium supplemented with bovine milk or colostrum. Bovine colostrum supported growth of the hybridoma whereas bovine milk alone did not support cellular proliferation. For growth in medium supplemented with colostrum, the maximum cell concentration achieved was 1.4 x 10(6) cells/mL in 2.2% colostrum, which is 44% of that obtained in 9% serum. When cells were grown in media containing milk and low amounts of serum (<1%) the maximum cell concentration in 2.2% milk with 0.4% serum was 2 x 10(6) cells/ml, whereas it was only 0.2 x 10(6) cells/ml and 1.3 x 10(6) cells/ml in 2.2% milk alone and 0.4% serum alone, respectively. Similar behavior was observed for growth in media containing colostrum and low amounts of serum. The monoclonal antibody production in media containing combinations of serum and milk or colostrum was comparable to that obtained in media with higher serum concentrations. Experiments performed with conditioned media suggest that the rapid decrease in viability, after the maximum cell concentration has been reached, is partially due to the presence of some inhibitory components generated during the cell culture rather than due to depletion of some serum components.     

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.     

Colostral Transfer in the Goat of Antibodies Against Corynebacterium Pseudotuberculosis and the Antibody Status of Kids During the First 10 Months of Life

Serum and colostrum samples from goats at parturition and serum samples from their kids at 3 days and at 4, 7, 10 and 12 weeks after birth were examined for the presence of antibodies to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis hemolysins. The hemolysis inhibition test (HIT) was used. High correlation was found between titre values of antihemolysins in serum and colostrum of goats at parturition (correlation coefficient r = 0.83; P < 0.01). Intermediate correlation was found between antihemolysin titre in colostrum of goats and in the sera of their kids 3 days old (r = 0.56; 0.01 < P < 0.05). Furthermore, titre values for 3 day-old kids showed high correlation with the antihemolysin titres when the kids aged 4 and 7 weeks (r = 0.76 and 0.85, respectively; P < 0.01). Antihemolysin titres decreased linearly in kids from 3 days to 10 weeks old. Calculated half life of antibodies was 12 days. Most of the kids had detectable antibodies up to the age of 5–6 weeks. None of the kids were seropositive at 2½ months of age. Serum samples collected monthly from a group of kids chosen at random, aged 7–10 months, contained antibodies to hemolysins in half of the animals at the first testing. At the age of 10 months 14 out of 15 kids were seropositive. Thus, most of the kids from this herd were exposed to G. pseudotuberculosis antigens during summer and autumn of their first year of life. Prophylactic measures against caseous lymphadenitis is briefly discussed.