Vertical transmission and kinetic of antibodies anti-Neospora caninum in naturally infected lambs in the semiarid region of Brazil

Abstract Aimed with this study to evaluate vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in naturally infected sheep and monitor the kinetics antibodies against protozoon their lambs. Therefore, 48 pregnant ewes, from five herds, were divided into two groups: G1 - positive for anti-N. antibodies, 19 animals; G2 seronegative, 29 animals. Blood samples taken ewes lambs, immediately after birth, before ingesting colostrum, 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 56 days birth. Analysis on serum was performed using indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. Among seropositive mothers, six (31.6%) gave birth lambs colostrum it found that these remained until end (56 days). Only one a ewe presented an titer 200, seroconverted ingestion colostrum. All had been born negative mothers throughout experimental period. It concluded transplacental important form diffusion N. herds studied maintained circulating during period analyzed.