Gamma Globulin and Early Calf Mortality

Abstract

Early mortality in dairy calves resulting from agammaglobulinemia or hypogammaglobulinemia averages about 20% in large drylot dairy operations. While the problem remains serious, the analysis of day-old calf blood for the presence of gamma globulin can serve as an excellent diagnostic tool. These calves apparently die because the level of passive immunity is insufficient to carry them through the disease challenge until the active immune system begins functioning adequately.