Deviations in Serum Proteins Associated with Eimeria bovis Infections in Calves

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Abstract
In newborn Holstein-Friesian male calves undergoing experimental infections with Eimeria bovis decreases in serum albumin and total protein occurred beginning about 3 weeks after inoculation with sporulated oocysts. The alpha globulin increased slightly during this period while the beta and gamma fractions were essentially unaffected. The degree of change in the proteins was dependent upon the severity of the clincal symptoms, the most severe of which occurred during the 3rd, 4th, and 5th weeks after inoculation. Hereford female calves (7 to 8 months of age) and yearling Holstein-Friesian steers underwent serum protein changes resembling those of the Holstein-Friesian calves except that their beta and gamma globulins responded more markedly. Beta globulins increased with the alpha globulins, but to a lesser degree. The gamma globulins decreased during the period when symptoms were most severe. The serum proteins did not return to preinoculation levels until 6 to 8 weeks after the severe symptoms subsided. Serum albumin levels in uninfected newborn calves averaged 45%, alpha and beta globulins about 20% each, and gamma globulin 15%. The average total serum protein was 5.2 g/100 ml. In Hereford female calves and yearling Holstein-Friesian steers, the serum albumin was about 60%, the alpha and beta globulins 10% each, the gamma globulins 20% and the total serum protein 6.4 g/100 ml.