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.

Nonpooled bovine plasma was derived from 2 clinically healthy Holstein blood donor cows. The plasma was evaluated for sterility and considered free of transmissible blood-borne pathogens. An aliquot (5 mL) of colostrum or plasma to be administered was collected before administration for IgG concentration determination. Plasma was administered through the jugular vein using an aseptically placed intravenous catheter a at a dosage of 34 mL/kg. Infusion of plasma was performed at a rate of 10 mL/kg/h over the first 20 min. Monitoring for transfusion reactions included monitoring heart rate, respiratory rate, mucous membranes color, and abnormal behavior. In the absence of an immediate transfusion reaction, the remainder of the plasma was transfused over 20-30 min. In the event of a plasma transfusion reaction, transfusion was discontinued for 10 min and resumed at 5 mL/kg/h. Calves enrolled in the CL group received 3 L of pooled, pasteurized colostrum, from 1 batch collected from the farm of study, through an oroesophageal tube, once. Colostrum was pasteurized at 60°C for min using a batch pasteurizer. All calves received colostrum or bovine plasma within 2 h after birth. Thereafter, all calves were fed 2 L of nonmedicated milk replacer b twice daily, 0.5 kg of nonmedicated commercial concentrate feed twice daily and water was available ad libitum. Calves were monitored 3 times daily. Daily calf monitoring procedures by trained personnel included assessment of rectal temperature, appetite for milk replacer, and concentrate feed and evidence of diarrhea or coughing. Decisions to medically treat calves were made by a UC Davis campus licensed veterinarian and not by the investigators. Calves that died during the study period were submitted for necropsy at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in Davis, CA.