The Importance Of Application Of Immunoglobulin Semi-Quantitative Tests To Controlthe Cow Herd Health

The aim of the research was to find out the concentration of immunoglobulin (Ig) in subclinical acidosis affected cows and supply of immune substances in the newborn calves after consumption of colostrum. The research was carried out in a loose housing system cow shed with 400 cows, 210 of them were milking cows. Thirty-two milking cows were used for the experiment; they had calved from 24 April to 23 June 2010. The cows are fed on a total mixed ration with low fiber content that causes subclinical acidosis in all cows. Calves are kept in individual cages for 3 months after birth. Due to management peculiarities on the farm, the first feeding time of colostrum is not controllable. Respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in calves are observed. Monthly mortality rate of calves is 8 to 10%.The concentration of immunoglobulin in colostrum and in the serum of calves was estimated by using semi-quantitative methods measuring the colostrum density with Kruuse Colostrum Densimeter, Ig in calves. serum was estimated with Na2SO3 precipitation reaction, GGT activity in calves. serum was estimated in the Central Laboratory, Ltd.The average amount of immunoglobulin was 1054.6 +/- 1.8 mg/dl, Ig concentration in the serum of calves after colostrum feeding was from 1000 to 1500mg/dl, and the average GGT result was 1744.4 +/- 437.8 IU/l.The Ig concentration in colostrum and GGT parameter in calves are not dependent on the subclinical acidosis background in the herd. The level of Ig in colostrum does not differ significantly by lactations. GGT parameter in calves from the first-calf heifers is lower than in calves obtained from cows of lactations. The use of semi-quantitative tests in control of the herd health improves the breeding management of young animals and decreases mortality rate in calves during the first weeks of life.