COLOSTRUM DEFICIENCY IN MULE DEER FAWNS: IDENTIFICATION, TREATMENT AND INFLUENCE ON NEONATAL MORTALITY

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Abstract
Glutaraldehyde coagulation test, zinc sulfate turbidity test and total protein refractometry were adapted for use in detecting failure of passive transfer of colostral Ig to mule deer fawns. The results of all 3 tests were similar. Serum total protein concentration was directly correlated to .gamma. globulin concentration and gave the best indication of morbidity and mortality. All 13 fawns with serum total protein concentrations of 5 g/dl at 1-7 days of age developed diarrhea and died before 17 days of age. Only 1 of the 14 fawns having a serum protein concentration above this level became sick and died. Seven of the 3 fawns that had serum total protein concentrations of .ltoreq. 5 g/dl and that had already developed diarrhea were given 20 ml of plasma/kg body wt. Although this increased their serum .gamma. globulin concentrations 0.3 g/dl, none survived. Administration of bovine colostrum to 1 fawn increased its serum .gamma. globulin concentration, suggesting that mule deer fawns are able to absorb .gamma. globulins from bovine colostrum.