IMMUNOGLOBULIN RESPONSE OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIGHORN SHEEP

The effects of individual variation, season and parasite activity on the levels of the four major immunoglobulins, IgM, IgA, IgG1 and IgG2, were analyzed in four adult Rocky Mountain bighorn ewes. Individual variation was significant for all immunoglobulin classes. Seasonal effects were detected in the levels of IgG1. The fecal count of Protostrongylus larvae was inversely related to IgG2 concentrations and the fecal Nematodirus count was inversely related to IgA. Muellerius and ccccidia did not demonstrate significant relationships with circulating levels of any of the immunoglobulin classes.