Serum immunoglobulin concentrations in genetically different types of suckling beef calves in a tropical environment.
Factors influencing the serum concentrations of gamma-globulin (gamma-G) during the neonatal period were studied in Shorthorn x Hereford (SH), Africander x SH and Brahman x SH calves born to cows grazing in a tropical environment. There were no significant effects of age of dam, sex or breed of calf on the gamma-G concentrations of calves from birth to 48 hours of age. Concentrations of gamma-G fell within two ranges: group A, 10 to 20 g/l and group B, 35 to 70 g/l. The number of calves in each group was not significantly different between breeds and overall 30% of calves were in group A. Body weight gain from birth to 10-day-old was greater (P less than 0.01) in calves in group B than in group A. Plasma cholesterol concentrations in 10-day-old calves were higher in group B than in group A calves supporting the interpretation that group B calves had higher milk intakes. Identification of calves receiving adequate amounts of colostrum has fundamental significance for the efficient production of cattle in the tropics.
O'Kelly
J C
JC
CSIRO Division of Tropical Animal Production, Rockhampton Mail Centre, Queensland.
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D007112:Immunity, Maternally-Acquired; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D014329:Tropical Climate; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000032:analysis*
D007136:Immunoglobulins; D005719:gamma-Globulins; D002784:Cholesterol