Immunoglobulin G concentration in canine colostrum: Evaluation and variability

The immune status of the newborn puppy depends entirely on colostrum ingestion, since canine neonates are nearly agammaglobulinemic at birth (Bouchard et al., 1992). From all circulating immunoglobulins after closure of the intestinal barrier, 90-95% originate from the colostrum (Chastant-Maillard et al., 2012). Inadequate colostrum intake leads to a deficit in the transfer of passive immunity, associated with higher mortality and morbidity rates in calves, lambs and piglets (Christley et al., 2003; Devillers et al., 2011; Virtala et al., 1999), but also in puppies (Mila et al., 2014).

Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology - July 4, 2015 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Hanna Mila, Alexandre Feugier, Aurélien Grellet, Jennifer Anne, Milène Gonnier, Maelys Martin, Lisa Rossig, Sylvie Chastant-Maillard Source Type: research