Colostral Immunoglobulin Concentrations Among Breeds of Dairy Cattle

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Abstract
The newborn calf obtains passive immunity against systemic and internal body surface infections from its dam via colostral IgA, IgG and IgM. Colostral Ig concentrations were compared among 5 breeds of dairy cows. Colostrum samples (3-4 kg) were obtained immediately after parturition from 19 Ayrshire, 17 Brown Swiss, 12 Guernsey, 19 Holstein and 5 Jersey cows. Average total colostral Ig was 8.1, 6.6, 6.3, 5.6 and 9.0% for them. Colostrum from Jerseys had the highest IgG (6.65%), IgA (1.86%) and IgM (0.53%) of all breeds. Colostrum from Holsteins was lowest in IgG (4.12%) whereas that from Guernseys was lowest in IgA (0.90%) and IgM (0.39%). Breeds may differ, and the high calf mortality and health problems frequently reported for Guernseys may be related to the low IgA and M in colostrum. Concentration of colostral Ig by calving number was examined over breeds for 23, 16, 17 and 14 cows by 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th or later calvings. Colostral Ig was lower from 1st-calf heifers (5.68%) than from 3rd (7.91%) and 4th (7.53%) parity cows. Colostral IgA and IgG tended to be lower in 1st lactations.