Transfer and persistence of bovine immunoglobulins in lambs fed a colostrum replacer.

BACKGROUND

Colostrum-derived antibodies are crucial for the protection of newborn lambs from infectious diseases. Several colostrum replacer products that contain bovine antibodies are on the market. We investigated the absorption and persistence of bovine antibodies from a powdered colostrum replacer in newborn lambs.

METHODS

We tested a lamb colostrum replacer containing bovine serum in lambs that were separated from their dams at birth. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) uptake was analysed by ELISA, and the persistence of antigen-specific antibodies was analysed by parainfluenza 3 virus (PI-3) neutralisation assay.

RESULTS

Serum antibody ELISA performed on days 1 and 14 revealed IgG levels of 17.9 ± 2.8 and 27.5 ± 2.5 mg/ml, respectively. PI-3 antibodies derived from the colostrum replacer were present for 86.3 ± 10.6 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibodies derived from bovine serum protein delivered to lambs via a commercial colostrum replacer are readily absorbed and persist for months, suggesting that these products may offer adequate protection.