TRANSFERÊNCIA DE IMUNIDADE PASSIVA EM BEZERROS ORIUNDOS DE PARTOS DISTÓCICOS OBTIDOS POR CESARIANA

ABSTRACT. Pires Junior J.B., Buonora C.R. de A.R., Afonso J.A.B., Dantas F.R., Pereira A.L.L., Vieira A.C.S. & de Mendonca C.L. [Passive transfer of immunity in newborn calves delivery by cesarean section]. Transferencia de imunidade passiva em bezerros oriundos de partos distocicos obtidos por cesariana. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinaria, 35(2):111-116, 2013. Clinica de Bovinos, Campus Garanhuns Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor s/n, Caixa Postal 152, Bairro Boa Vista, Garanhuns, PE 55292-270, Brasil. E-mail: carlalopes.mendonca@gmail.com The aim of the study was to assess the transference of passive immunity in newborn calves following dystocic delivery by cesarean section. Immediately following birth, the calves ingested colostrum ad libitum. To those that did not receive it from the mother, colostrum was administered at a volume equivalent to 10% of the live weight of the animal two daily feedings. The administration of colostrum was maintained for at least 48 h. The following evaluation times were established: 0 h (prior to ingestion of colostrum), 6 h, 12h, 18 h, 24 h, 48h, 72 h, 96 h and on the eighth day following birth. The concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), total serum protein, fraction of gamma globulin and serum activity of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) were determined. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in all variables analyzed beginning 6 h following the ingestion of colostrum, with maximal IgG absorption values reaching 1950.0 mg/dL at 48 h, which is considered adequate for the protection of calf. It was concluded that dystocia (maternal and/or fetal) had no influence on passive transfer of immunity in newborn calves delivery by cesarean section.