Effects of bovine colostrum, foal serum immunoglobulin concentration and intravenous plasma transfusion on chemiluminescence response of foal neutrophils

Abstract

Summary. The effects of bovine colostrum, absorption of equine colostral immunoglobulins and age on phagocytic and serum opsonizing activity of nine clinically healthy foals were examined. Cells and serum were collected prior to suckling and at 7, 14 and 28 days of age. Seven foals had serum IgG concentrations >600mg/dl whereas two foals had P 600mg/dl but it was less if IgG concentration was P P <0.05). When adult serum was the opsonin, chemiluminescence of foal neutrophils collected before and after plasma transfusion did not differ. The increase in CL following plasma transfusion was probably due to an increase in serum opsonizing activity.