Effects of Storage Time on Total Protein and Globulin Concentrations in Bovine Fresh Frozen Plasma Obtained for Transfusion

Proverbio, D.; Spada, E.; Baggiani, L.; Bagnagatti De Giorgi, G.; Roggero, N.; Belloli, A.; Pravettoni, D.; Perego, R.

In ruminant transfusion practice, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) can be used for treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia (failure of passive transfer) in calves [3, 4] . Calves are born hypogammaglobulinemic and require colostrum to supply immunoglobulins during the neonatal period. Neonatal calf health is largely dependent on the ingestion and absorption of maternally derived antibodies via colostrum consumption [5] . Failure of passive transfer (inadequate circulating IgG concentration) in calves is a common condition that predisposes calves to increased morbidity and mortality and there is a link between low serum globulins and the incidence of infectious diseases [6] . The importance of the ingestion and absorption of colostral immunoglobulins on morbidity, mortality, growth, and future productivity of dairy calves has been described [7] . Calves with inadequate passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins have an increased risk of death during the first 3 months after birth [8] , a decreased rate of weight gain [9] , and a decreased survival rate until the end of the first lactation [10, 11] .