2.6. Transfer of maternal immunity

2.6. Transfer of maternal immunity to the new-born lambs

Transfer of the maternal Ig was monitored by measuring IgG and IgM levels in serum samples collected from 1-, 4-, and 6-week-old lambs, as described above. IgG and IgM concentrations were also analyzed in fat-free colostrum collected within 6 h of parturition as far as practically possible. Colostrum was centrifuged for 15 min at 4 °C and RCF 2200g, and then placed on ice for 10 min, after which the aqueous phase was transferred to new tubes for further radial immunodiffusion analysis.

Transfer of maternal specific immunity was monitored in 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-week-old lambs by measuring specific antibodies to M. haemolytica, tetanus toxoidin, and EIV as described above.