Page 752 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition

VetBooks.ir Failure of Passive Transfer

The absorption of IgG from colostrum is required for the protection
of a newborn against septicemic disease. The continuous intake of

IgA or IgG1 from milk is required for protection against enteric
disease (Fig. 23.8). Failure of these processes predisposes a young
animal to infection.

FIG. 23.8 Colostrum intake is required to protect young animals
against septicemic disease. The prolonged intake of milk is
necessary to ensure protection of the gastrointestinal tract against
enteric infection.

There are three major reasons for failure of passive transfer
through colostrum. First, the mother may produce insufficient or
poor-quality colostrum (production failure). Second, there may be
sufficient colostrum produced but inadequate intake by the
newborn animal (ingestion failure). Third, there may be a failure of

absorption from the intestine despite an adequate intake of
colostrum (absorption failure).

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