Evaluation of Genetic and Environmental Parameters Determining Antibody Response Induced by Vaccination Against Foot and Mouth Disease

Abstract

Factors determining the variation in antibody response post foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) vaccine were investigated in 395 sera samples of crossbred cattle maintained at the institute farm located in the temperate Himalayan region of India. Pre and post sera were tested using liquid phase blocking enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (LPBE) specific for serotypes O, A, and Asia1. All the pre-vaccination samples were unprotected and increase in the antibody titer was seen 28-day post-vaccination. All the samples were negative for infection status. Among the environmental determinants, cohort, season, and vaccination number proved to be significant sources of variation in the vaccine response (P < 0.05). Adult animals (>1 year) were found to be significantly more protected than the younger animals (P < 0.05). Cows in the first trimester of lactation showed reduced protection by vaccine that might be attributed to the weakening of immune system consequent to the stress of production and calving as well as increased metabolic demands typical of a postpartum cow. The estimates of heritability (±SE) for FMDV vaccine response for serotypes O, A, and Asia1 were 0.17 ± 0.07, 0.03 ± 0.06, and 0.05 ± 0.06, respectively, indicating little scope of improvement after mass selection. © 2013 NAAS (National Academy of Agricultural Sciences).