[Serum gamma globulin concentration in goat kids after colostrum administration: effect of time of administration, volume and type of colostrum].
In this study, which was performed on a Dutch dairy goat farm, several aspects of the administration of colostrum to new-born goat kids were examined. Time of colostrum administration and amount and type of colostrum administered were compared. Effectiveness was measured as total serum protein content and gamma globulin fraction. No significant differences in serum gamma globulin titre were observed between kids that received colostrum at 30 or 60-90 minutes post partum, respectively. Titres were significantly lower in kids that received 100 ml of colostrum instead of 150-200 ml. The effect of sheep colostrum replacer or cow colostrum was also examined. Gamma globulin titres were significantly high with goat colostrum than with cow colostrum or sheep colostrum replacer, and titres were higher with cow colostrum than with sheep colostrum replacer. Based on the results of this experiment, the following protocol is suggested for colostrum administration to goat kids: single administration of 150-200 ml of goat colostrum within 90 minutes of birth. Use of cow colostrum is not advised because it may lead to transmission of paratuberculosis. Use of sheep colostrum replacer as a source of passive immunity is not recommended.
Orsel
K
K
Faculteit der Diergeneeskunde, Hoofdafdeling Gezondheidszorg Landbouwhuisdieren, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht.
van Amerongen
J J
JJ
Zadoks
R N
RN
van Doorn
D C
DC
Wensing
T
T
D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D002417:Cattle; D003126:Colostrum / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006041:Goats / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D012756:Sheep; D013997:Time Factors; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D005719:gamma-Globulins