Immunoglobulin G concentration and neonatal survival of goat kids delivered in a pen or on open range.
To determine whether kids born on open range (subjected to stress due to management practices) had lower IgG concentrations and a higher mortality risk than kids born in a pen, serum IgG concentrations in 63 one-day-old kids were determined. Median Serum IgG concentrations one day after birth tended to be lower (p = 0.09) in surviving kids born in the open than that of surviving kids delivered in pen (115 vs. 1119 mg dl-1). However, survival risk (71 and 82% for kids born on the open range and pen, respectively; n = 79) were not significantly affected by site of kidding. Median IgG concentration of surviving kids born on a pen was not significantly different (p = 0.13) compared to non-surviving kids (1118 vs. 115 mg dl-1). No differences were detected in either median serum IgG levels or death rates between male and female kids. Kids with IgG concentrations < 800 mg dl-1 showed lower survival risks than those with higher concentrations. We concluded that typical management practices of kids delivered on open range at a goat operation under extensive conditions in northern Mexico tended to reduced colostrally acquired serum immunoglobulin levels, but had no effect directly on mortality.
Mellado
M
M
U.A.A.A.N., Depto Producción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Saltillo Coah., Mexico. mmelbos@uaaan.mx
Del Angel
E
E
Rebolloso
O
O
García
E
E
D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D001724:Birth Weight; D005260:Female; D006041:Goats; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D009026:Mortality; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate
D007074:Immunoglobulin G