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Serum immunoglobulin concentrations in genetically different types of suckling beef calves in a tropical environment
Author(s) -
O'KELLY JC
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1991.tb03235.x
Subject(s) - biology , antibody , zoology , beef cattle , tropical climate , tropics , veterinary medicine , immunology , ecology , medicine
SUMMARY Factors influencing the serum concentrations of γ‐globulin (γ‐G) during the neonatal period were studied in Shorthorn x Hereford (SH), Africander x SH and Brahman x SH calves born to cows grazing in a tropical environment. There were no significant effects of age of dam, sex or breed of calf on the γ‐G concentrations of calves from birth to 48 hours of age. Concentrations of γ‐G fell within two ranges: group A, 10 to 20 g/l and group B, 35 to 70 g/l. The number of calves in each group was not significantly different between breeds and overall 30% of calves were in group A. Body weight gain from birth to 10‐day‐old was greater (P <0.01) in calves in group B than in group A. Plasma cholesterol concentrations in 10‐day‐old calves were higher in group B than in group A calves supporting the interpretation that group B calves had higher milk intakes. Identification of calves receiving adequate amounts of colostrum has fundamental significance for the efficient production of cattle in the tropics.