Plasma Transfusion in Calves with Failure of Passive Colostral Transfer

Authors: Kürşat TURGUT, Abdullah BAŞOĞLU, Mutlu SEVİNÇ, İsmail ŞEN, Metin YILDIZ, Süleyman KALELİ

Abstract: Plasma administration was studied in newborn calves with failure of passive colostral transfer (FPCT). Eighteen sick Holstein calves with FPCT (Experimental group) and 6 healthy Holstein calves known to have consumed colostrum (Control group) were used as a materials. Failure of passive colostral transfer was confirmed by a negative gluteraldehyde coagulation test (GACT). Calves with FPCT were weighed on presentation and were randomly divided in to three groups (each group consisted of 6 calves) in those treatment was designed as follows; Experimental group I (EG I) calves were treated with antimicrobials, fluids, various supportive measures, and plasma transfusion was given at the dose of 30 ml/kg body weight. Experimental group II (EG II) calves were treated with antimi-crobials, fluids, various supportive measures, and plasma transfusion was given at the dose of 40 ml/kg body weight. Experimental group III (EG III) calves were treated with antimicrobials, fluids and various supportive measures. The mean concentrations of serum total protein were significantly greater in calves of control group as compared to calves of EGI, EGII and EGIII (p<0.05). The mean concentrations of serum total protein significantly increased in calves of EGI and EGII after the treatment (p<0.05). The mean concentrations of all serum protein fractions except b-globulin fraction were significantly greater in calves of control group as compared to calves of EGI, EGII and EGIII (p<0.05). Calves administered plasma at the dose of 40 ml/kg body weight, I.V. (EGII) showed increased serum a-globulin and g-globulin concentrations. Serum albumin and b-globulin fractions were not influ-enced by plasma administration (p>0.05). The result of the study showed that plasma transfusion at the dose of 40 ml/kg body weight could restore protective levels of Ig and could provide considerable recovery in calves with severe FPCT.

Keywords: Calf, Failure of Passif Colostrum Transfer, Plasma transfusion, Protein electrophoresis

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