A Working Model for the Evaluation of Different Immunological Traits as Indicators of Resistance to Infection in Dairy Cattle

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Abstract
In order to determine the relative value of different immunological traits as indicators of resistance to infection, an analysis was performed based on records of immunological traits in young bulls and “health card” records of clinical mastitis in their half sisters. The correlation analysis suggested that young bulls with high levels of serum immunoglobulin have half sisters with low mastitis frequency. A significant positive correlation was found between the antibody response peak against human serum albumin and susceptibility to mastitis. The results of this analysis should not be considered conclusive as the data were limited. Further work is required on a larger body of material. The model described here may be considered for future use as it enables immediate selection of animals.