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.

There are several limitations of this study. In clinical practice, calves that experience FPI and are transfused with bovine plasma are likely to have been fed insufficient colostrum rather than no colostrum. The PL group calves in this study were colostrum deprived. In addition to immunoglobulins, colostrum contains maternally derived immunoreactive cells, which stimulate the calf's immune system. 20 Thus, the effects of administration of plasma on serum IgG concentrations and immunoreactive cells in calves that experience FPI caused by insufficient colostrum ingestion warrant further investigation. Furthermore, the majority of calves for which plasma administration is recommended are more likely to be clinically sick. In contrast, calves were considered clinically healthy at the time of plasma administration in this study. Studies evaluating effect of plasma administration on serum IgG concentration in sick neonatal calves are recommended.