COLOSTRUM AND IMMUNITY CHOOSING THE Ig PROFILE

摘要

Colostrum intake is vital to new-born animals if they are to survive the first few weeks of life. Appropriate use of colostrum must give consideration to specific immunoglobulins. Human babies receive much immunity before they are born, via the mother's placenta. However, formation of the placenta in farm animals is such that it prevents the transfer of immunity in the form of antibodies from the mother to the foetus. Thus the piglet, calf, lamb, kid or foal is born very vulnerable to infection. As arich source of immunoglobulins of varying types, colostrum protects against infection in the early stages, before the animal's immunity has developed. It takes about 10 to 14 days after exposure to a bacteria before a young animal will become immune toany organism. During this time, background immunity provided from colostrum helps the young to survive while antibody is being produced.