Colostral Immunoglobulin Transfer in Calves. III. Amount of Absorption

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Abstract
Amount of colostrum fed and age at 1st feeding are the 2 major factors in determining maximum immunoglobulin [Ig] concentration in serum for each Ig class in postcolostral calves. Both factors show linear response: increasing age, decreasing concentration; increasing amount fed up to 2 l, increasing amount fed up to 2 l, increasing concentration. The 2 factors interact in a curvilinear response. Calves with initial feeding at progressively older ages need less colostrum to reach maximum absorption. Maximum absorption is represented by a progressively lower Ig concentration in serum with increasing age. Response surface contours for the maximum IgG, IgM and IgA, based on experimental data, were included. Neither body weights of the experimental calves nor pooled colostral concentrations of Ig from pooled colostrums fed to the calves influenced maximum concentrations of Ig in serum.