Influence of parenteral administration of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) extract on colostral IgG absorption in neonatal calves

In this study, the effect of chamomile extract on the ability of neonatal calves to absorb immunoglobulin G (IgG) was evaluated. An ethanolic extract of chamomile was obtained with the concentration of 111 mg/ml. Calves were randomly divided into four groups, each receiving one of four chamomile treatments; 1: low dose (LC; 5.5 mg/kg body weight; 2: moderate dose (MC; 11 mg/kg); 3: high dose (HC; 22 mg/kg); 4: a control (CO; normal saline). Chamomile extract was injected intravenously into the jugular vein 1 h after birth and before colostrum intake. There was no significant difference in concentration of serum IgG between LC and CO calves (P = 0.792). MC calves had a significantly higher serum IgG concentration at 48 h compared with LC and CO calves (P = 0.002, P = 0.003, respectively). There was no statistical difference between MC and HC calves at 48 h (P = 0.264). These results show that chamomile extract could promote colostral IgG absorption in neonatal calves if a suitable dose is given immediately after birth.