PASSIVE IMMUNITY STATUS IN NEW BORN CALF UNDER PASTORAL
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Date
2018-06
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Abstract
A longitudinal study was conducted from December 2017 to April 2018 in Amibara pastoral
production system. The aims of this study were therefore, to determine passive immunity
status in newborn calves and to identify possible managemental factors that have contribution
for the failure of passive transfer of immunity in calves. Each selected calf was individually
neck-tagged and monitored in weekly basis for clinical health problems up to an age of three
months. Mean ± SD IgG concentration of serum samples determined with the bovine radial
immunodiffusion assay was 1805.93 ± 718.68 mg/dL and ranges from 189.132 to 2783.39
mg/dL. The overall failure of passive transfer of immunity and adequate passive transfer of
immunity status found in this study were 35.11% and 64.89%, respectively. Risk factors such
as calve sex, dam parity, birth site, birth condition, mothering instinct and age at first
colostrums ingestion were found to have statistically significant effect (P= 0.004 to 0.031). In
the same way morbidity and mortality prevalence were significantly associated with serum
IgG. Accordingly, 58.82%, 50% and 4.92 % of morbidity was found for complete failure,
partial transfer and adequate transfer of passive immunity respectively. As well, 35.29%
12.5% and 1.64% morbidity was observed for complete failure, partial transfer and adequate
transfer of passive immunity respectively. The incidence of morbidity and mortality was
apparently higher in calves having complete failure and partial passive transfer of immunity
than calves having adequate passive transfer. In this study, the highest proportion of failure
of passive transfer of immunity might be due to improper calf and colostrum management
practice and absence of regular care for pregnant cows. Hence improving knowledge of
pastoralists concerning calf and colostrum management practice as well caring for pregnant
cows and regular observation of pregnant cows would significantly reduce young stock
mortality associated with failure of passive transfer of immunity.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture of Addis Ababa
University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master
PRODUCTION SYSTEM, ETHIOPIA
Animal Production
Keywords
Pastoral System, Calves, Passive Transfer