A Cohort Study of the Association Between Serum Immunoglobulin G Concentration and Preweaning Health, Growth, and Survival in Holstein Calves

The association between serum IgG concentration and preweaning health performance in Holstein calves were evaluated in a prospective cohort study design framework. Post colostral blood samples were collected from 561 calves and serum IgG concentrations were quantitated using a single radial immunodiffusion assay. Preweaning treatments for diarrhea, pneumonia, omphalitis and frequency of antibiotic therapy plus calf death events were recorded until calves were weaned at approximately 60 d of age. Logistic regression modeling was used to evaluate the association between failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT, serum IgG < 10g/L) and risk of diarrhea, pneumonia, omphalitis, frequency of antibiotic therapy and death. Calves with FPT were twice as likely to suffer from scours (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.54 to 3.56), otitis media (OR = 2.62; 95% CI = 1.28 to 5.35) and be treated with antibiotics (OR = 2.20; 95% CI = 1.55 to 3.12) during the preweaning period as herd mates that had adequate passive transfer of immunity (APT, serum IgG ≥ 10 g/L). Although FPT status was not associated with pneumonia, omphalitis, and preweaning mortality risks in this study, mean preweaning daily live weight gain (kg/d) was significantly lower for calves with FPT relative to calves with APT.