EFFECTS OF ESCHERICHIA-COLI ENDOTOXIN ON LEUKOCYTE AND PLATELET COUNTS, FIBRINOGEN CONCENTRATIONS, AND BLOOD-CLOTTING IN COLOSTRUM-FED AND COLOSTRUM-DEFICIENT NEONATAL CALVES

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 45  (4) , 670-677
Abstract
Effects of a single i.v. injection of E. coli endotoxin on hemogram and clotting function were compared in colostrum-fed and colostrum-deficient neonatal calves. Before endotoxin administration, the 2 groups of calves only differed in their prothrombin times. After endotoxin administration, there were significant differences (P < 0.005) between colostrum-fed and colostrum-deficient calves in total leukocyte, segmented neutrophil, nonsegmented neutrophil and lymphocyte (P < 0.05) counts and partial thromboplastin time. Significant time dependent changes were observed in the aforementioned parameters and in platelet count and fibrinogen concentration. Seemingly, colostrum feeding improved the calf''s ability to respond to endotoxin challenge exposure probably because of improved granulopoietic activity.