Document Detail


Prevalence of failure of passive transfer of immunity in newborn heifer calves and associated management practices on US dairy operations.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19620681     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) in dairy replacement calves has been linked to increased neonatal morbidity and mortality and long-term decreases in productivity. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of FPT in US dairy heifer calves in 2007 and to use nationally representative data to investigate associations of FPT with colostrum and calf management practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted by the USDA's National Animal Health Monitoring System between January and August 2007. Producers from 394 operations in 17 states completed survey questions about colostrum and calf management practices, and serum samples were collected from 1,816 healthy heifer calves on those operations. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were determined by radial immunodiffusion, and calves were classified as having FPT if the IgG concentration was less than 10 mg/mL. To investigate associations between FPT and management practices, a multivariable analysis was completed using a weighted logistic regression model. The estimated prevalence of FPT in US dairy heifer calves was 19.2%. The odds of FPT were higher for calves on operations that pooled colostrum [odds ratio (OR = 2.2)], allowed nursing (OR = 2.4), or hand fed colostrum more than 4 h after birth (OR = 2.7). The odds of FPT were also higher for calves on operations that did not provide a source of heat during cold weather for calves experiencing a dystocia (OR = 1.6), would not seek veterinary assistance when unable to correctly position a calf for delivery (OR = 2.6), or did not routinely monitor serum proteins in calves as a measure of passive transfer (OR = 13.8). The prevalence of FPT in dairy heifer calves has decreased in the last 15 yr, so progress has been made in this important area of calf management. This study identified several management practices associated with FPT that could be targeted for educational campaigns or further research.
Authors:
A L Beam; J E Lombard; C A Kopral; L P Garber; A L Winter; J A Hicks; J L Schlater
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of dairy science     Volume:  92     ISSN:  1525-3198     ISO Abbreviation:  J. Dairy Sci.     Publication Date:  2009 Aug 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-07-21     Completed Date:  2009-10-19     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  2985126R     Medline TA:  J Dairy Sci     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  3973-80     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
USDA:APHIS:VS, Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, 2150 Centre Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117, USA. andrea.l.beam@aphis.usda.gov
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Animals, Newborn / immunology*
Cattle / immunology*
Colostrum / immunology*
Dairying / statistics & numerical data*
Female
Immunization, Passive / statistics & numerical data,  veterinary*
Immunoglobulin G / blood
Logistic Models
Prevalence
Questionnaires
United States / epidemiology
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Immunoglobulin G

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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