Question of the Day

Gut closure typically occurs 18-24 h after birth. During this time, neonates directly absorb maternal antibodies in colostrum from the gut into the bloodstream.

Specialized enterocytes absorb the immunoglobulins by pinocytosis and move them to the blood. These cells are shed and replaced with mature enterocytes within 24 h.

Neonates that do not absorb colostrum during this time develop failure of passive transfer (FPT) which leads to a greatly increased risk of infection and death. Think GI disease, pneumonia, septic foals and septic umbilicus (i.e., joint ill, navel ill), septic joints.

Recommendations vary, but calves and should receive a minimum of two liters of colostrum within  12-18 h of birth. Divide this amount into multiple, smaller feedings if necessary.

Ideally, the serum IgG concentration for healthy foals is >800 mg/dL and ruminants >1,600 mg/dL.