Levels of colostral antibodies against neonatal calf diaahoea virus
Woode, G.N.; Jones, J.; Bridger, J.
Veterinary Record 97(8): 148-149
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 1162896 Document Number: 90306
The rotavirus which causes diarrhoea in newborn calves was isolated from 53 of 80 outbreaks of calf scour; serological evidence of infection with the virus was present in all of 53 herds in which calf scour was a problem. Calves developed the disease even when they and their dams had high levels of circulating antibodies. Colostrum with a neutralizing titre of 640 against the virus failed to protect newborn calves when, 6 days later, they were experimentally infected. The authors believe that high levels of antibody in colostrum or milk (and so in the lumen of gut) would be needed for several days to confer protection. Colostrum stored by freezing is effective, and even sour colostrum retains its activity.