Comparative absorption of colostral IgG1 and IgM in the newborn calf. Effects of thyroxine, cortisol and environmental factors.
Twelve Holstein x Friesian calves, born in the same stable, and then transferred to outside individual boxes, were used in this experiment. Six animals received thyroxine (T4) injections at birth and after 24 h. All the calves received the same colostrum in the same conditions. The following results were obtained: --The capacity of calves to acquire colostral IgG1 and IgM varies considerably between individuals. --T4 injections do not noticeably alter IgG1 and IgM absorption, but thyroxinemia at birth, reflecting probably the fetal level, is negatively correlated with the absorption periods of IgG1 and of IgM. --We have observed positive correlations between the maximum plasma levels of IgG1 and IgM, and between the times at which they were reached, but this time is shorter for IgM than for IgG1. --The outside temperature at birth is negatively correlated with the maximal IgG1 concentration. --IgM are less well absorbed by the calves than IgG1 (percentages of absorption: 17% for IgM and 75% for IgG1). This result suggests that the intestinal absorption of immunoglobulins could be selective in the calf.
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000378:metabolism*; D002417:Cattle / Q000378:metabolism*; D003126:Colostrum / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006813:Humidity; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D013974:Thyroxine; D006854:Hydrocortisone