Evaluation of serum immunoglobulin G concentrations in dairy calves by use of an automated turbidimetric immunoassay

Authors

  • M. L. Alley Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606
  • D. M. Haines Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
  • G. W. Smith Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27606

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20123939

Keywords:

colostrum, dairy calf, immunoglobulin absorption, lgG, turbidimetric immunoassay, portable analyzer

Abstract

Administration of colostrum to newborn calves is recognized as an important component of dairy calf health maintenance because colostral immunoglobulin absorption is required to establish passive immunity. Despite the importance of a good colostrum management program, over one-third of dairy operations still depend on the calf nursing the dam as the only method for colostrum delivery, and 19.2% of calves are estimated to have failure of transfer of passive immunity. Multiple assays have been described to assess serum immunoglobulin G (lgG) concentrations in calves; however, none are ideal for routine use on farms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a new commercially available automated turbidimetric immunoassay and portable analyzer for measuring serum IgG concentrations in dairy calves.

Cover image of the 45th Conference Proceedings: Three black-and-white cows lounge in a spring field. Yellow background.

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Published

2012-09-20

Issue

2012

Section

Research Summaries 4