Immunoglobulin concentrations in serum and nasal secretions of calves at the onset of pneumonia
Corbeil, L.B.; Watt, B.; Corbeil, R.R.; Betzen, T.G.; Brownson, R.K.; Morrill, J.L.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 45(4): 773-778
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 6731994 Document Number: 226388
Immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations in serum and in nasal secretions were correlated with pneumonia and diarrhoea during the first 12 weeks of life in 56 calves. The peak onset of pneumonia occurred between 2 and 4 weeks of age when the calves' serum IgG1, IgG2, and IgA concentrations were lowest. As IgG2 concentrations increased, fewer calves developed pneumonia. Peak onset of pneumonia was also correlated with the lowest IgG and IgA concentrations in the calves' nasal secretions. Most calves developed pneumonia when serum concentrations of IgG1 were less than 1.5 g/dl, IgG2 less than 0.3 g/dl, IgA less than 0.1 g/dl, and IgM less than 0.2 g/dl and when the combined IgG and IgA values in nasal secretions were less than 0.2 mg of Ig/mg of protein. Diarrhoea preceded pneumonia in 63% of the 56 calves. In another study, conducted in the same way as the first except that the calves were given colostrum, then cow's milk rather than a milk replacer, 38% of 23 calves had diarrhoea and/or haemorrhagic faeces before pneumonia. Seemingly, there was a relationship between diarrhoea and pneumonia. Furthermore, pneumonia occurred at or just after the time when IgG1, IgG2, and IgA concentrations in serum and the combined IgG and IgA concentrations in nasal secretions were lowest.