Newborn calf intestinal absorption of immunoglobulins extracted from colostrum.

Abstract

In the newborn calf, colostrum immunoglobulin absorption was compared with absorption of immunoglobulins extracted from colostrum. Reduced absorption of the latter resulted in plasma immunoglobulin levels unable to protect the animals against infections. Adding complete milk powder to the immunoglobulin solution slightly improved the level of absorption. Postprandial plasma alkaline phosphatases levels exhibited changes differing with the nature of the meals. This reinforces the idea that intestinal function was probably disturbed by immunoglobulin solutions. Moreover, reduced appetite for immunoglobulin solution was evident by the second meal, when most of the animals previously subjected to this diet suffered from a variety of problems (scour, asthenia), possibly caused by harmful effects of immunoglobulin solution on their digestive tract.