Relationship Between Passive Immunity Levels and Morbidity, Mortality and Growth Rates of Friesian Calves in Egypt

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify potential biomarkers of future health and performance for Friesian calves by evaluating the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in newborn calves. Serum samples from 82 calves were collected at 24 to 36 h of age to determine the levels of passive transfer. Body weights (BW) were measured at birth, day 30, and age of weaning (105 days). The occurrence of the disease and the death were recorded. Calves were divided into 3 groups based on serum IgG concentrations as a Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT), Good Protection (GP),and Very Good Protection (VGP).The morbidity rates were 100, 75, and 52.63% for the calves with FPT, GP, and VGP, respectively. In calves with FPT was observed that 35% of these infections were enteric diseases, 25% respiratory diseases, and 40% enteric and respiratory diseases together. While the calves that had GP were observed that 66.67% of these infections were enteric diseases and 8.33% respiratory diseases. In contrast, the calves that had VGP were observed that all of the infections (52.63%) were enteric diseases. The mortality rates were 45.0, 8.33, and 0.0% for the calves with FPT, GP, and VGP, respectively.The calves with FPT had an average daily gain lower (P<0.05) than those who had GP or VGP during the preweaning period. The correlation coefficient between concentrations of serum IgG and the BW at weaning was moderate (r=0.631; P<0.0001).Wherefore,colostrum management should receive appropriate attention to optimize passive transfer status and improve the growth performance of calves.