Current Diagnostic Methods for Assessing Transfer of Passive Immunity in Calves and Possible Improvements: A Literature Review

• Published in: Animals (Basel) Vol. 11; no. 10; p. 2963
• Main Authors: de Souza, Rayanne Soalheiro, dos Santos, Lucas Braga Costa, Melo, Isabela Oliveira, Cerqueira, Daiane Maria, Dumas, Juliana Vieira, Leme, Fabiola de Oliveira Paes, Moreira, Tiago Facury, Meneses, Rodrigo Melo, de Carvalho, Antônio Ultimo, Facury-Filho, Elias Jorge
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 14.10.2021; MDPI
• Subjects: analysis methods; Calves; Colostrum; electrophoresis; Evaluation; gold standard method; IgG antibody; Immunity (passive); Immunoassay; Immunodiffusion; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulins; Literature reviews; Methods; monitoring; Review; Veterinary medicine; Canada
• ISSN: 2076-2615; 2076-2615
• DOI: 10.3390/ani11102963

Several direct or indirect methods can be used to assess immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in calves, which evaluates the transfer of passive immunity (TPI). Radial immunodiffusion (RID) is the gold standard method to measure serum IgG in bovines. Previous studies have shown that colostrum provides several molecules in addition to immunoglobulins, which play an important role in the passive immunity of the calf. However, no studies have yet determined the level of interference of these components in the immunity, health and survival of calves. In this sense, the objective of this study is to review the methods of evaluation available for the laboratory and field diagnosis of TPI in calves and discuss the main aspects of each technique. Several methods available for TPI evaluation in calves may provide insights into the various components of colostrum involved in passive immunity.