Immunoglobulin G and Total Protein Concentration in Blood and Colostrum of Different Cattle Breeds and its Passive Transfer to Neonatal Calves

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cattle breed type on (a) cow serum IgG and serum total protein concentration (b) colostrum immunoglobulin level and (c) their respective calves’ serum immunoglobulin and serum total protein concentration. Three breeds of cattle were observed: Jersey, Holstein Friesian (HF) and local Pakistani cow breed Achai. To assess serum IgG, sodium sulphite precipitation technique was used while IgG in colostrum were determined using digital Brix refractometer (Atago RX-1000) and serum total protein (STP) in cows and calves were analyzed by chemistry analyzer (Procan PS-520). Overall Achai breed of cattle showed highest mean value for pre and postpartum serum immunoglobulin (11.78 ± 0.92 mg/ml, 10.00 ± 1.09 mg/ml) than Jersey breed (9.80 ± 1.30 mg/ml, 7.86 ± 1.01 mg/ml) and HF breed (7.86 ± 1.30 mg/ml, 6.43 ± 0.92mg/ml) respectively. Calf serum IgG was higher (P < 0.05) for Achai cow breed than other two cow breeds. The mean Brix (%) value for colostrum of Achai breed was higher (24.03% Brix) than Jersey and HF breeds. In the current study, there was a positive significant (P<0.05) correlation found for pre-partum IgG with postpartum STP and calf serum IgG. The results revealed that Achai breed had better potentials for serum and colostrum immunoglobulins (IgG) and total proteins (STP) production under local environment than HF and Jersey. Calf serum immunoglobulin concentration was affected by cattle breed type and showed a positive correlation with cow serum IgG decrease before parturition. It was found that the Partum stage of different cattle breeds has a significant effect on IgG in colostrum and serum of their respective calves. Therefore, the present study provided a baseline for the improvement of passive transfer of immunity to newborn calves while manipulating IgG concentration in the pre-partum stage of cattle.