The immunoglobulin composition of colostrum and the persistence of acquired immunoglobulins and specific antibodies in the calf.

The absolute amounts of immunoglobulins contained in twenty-five samples of colostrum were determined. It was found that the quality of the colostrum is approximately the same for the first nine hours following parturition. The secretion of a cow following an abortion, however, does not have the quality of colostrum and should therefore not be saved to feed newborn calves. Detailed studies concerning the transfer of colostral antibodies to the newborn showed that ideally two liters of colostrum should be given within the first twelve hours. If the calf is derived from a heifer, a young cow or from a newly introduced animal it should receive 50% of its colostrum from an older cow of the herd. The colostrum can be kept in a frozen state for 15 years without losing too much of its original quality. The amounts of immunoglobulins and specific antibodies (against infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis and Parainfluenza-3) transferred were remarkably high and most likely due to those infections the dams had suffered from. It is proposed that programs should be introduced whereby dams are regularly vaccinated during the late gestation period. The vaccines used and their composition have to depend on the diseases prevalent in the individual countries and regions.