A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating Metabolism of Colostral and Plasma Derived Immunoglobulin G in Jersey Bull Calves

Pipkin, K.M.; Hagey, J.V.; Rayburn, M.C.; Chigerwe, M.

The results of this study have some clinical applications. In clinical settings, the high cost of bovine plasma may be prohibitive. Consequently, a lower bovine plasma dosage may be preferred in calves given plasma. Thus, it is important to consider the higher dosage rates (30-40 mL/kg) to successfully increase serum IgG concentration to those consistent with adequate transfer of immunity. Furthermore, the rapid decrease in serum IgG concentration after plasma transfusion may warrant repeated transfusion within 12 h when necessary to maintain serum IgG concentrations consistent with adequate transfer of immunity. However, repeated plasma transfusions may predispose to transfusion reactions. Serum total protein concentration was an inconsistent test in classifying calves with FPI after transfusion. This is because median serum total protein concentrations ≥5.2 g/dL at 48 h of age achieved by the PL group calves are considered indicative of adequate transfer of immunity. 1 In contrast, all calves in the PL group had serum IgG concentrations consistent with FPI based on the reference method (SRID).