Immunoglobulin absorption in calf neonates with special considerations of stress.

The concept that hyperadrenalemia resulting from stress may suppress colostral immunoglobulin absorption or terminate intestinal permeability in the bovine neonate has not been substantiated by objective research. Experiments with exogenous corticosteroids or induction of endogenous secretion of the adrenals have not demonstrated the same effect as in rodents where precocious maturation of intestinal epithelium terminates macromolecular protein absorption. Evidence is given that certain prepartum stressors on the dam may influence colostral immunoglobulin absorption in the calf. High environmental temperature influences colostral immunoglobulin absorption.