An immunoglobulin-fortified milk replacer and a subcutaneous (SC) injectable solution of immunoglobulins (Ig) were examined as methods of achieving passive immunity in neonatal calves. Bovine Ig, from abattoir blood, were purified by polyphosphate fractionation and ion-exchange chromatography. In experiment 1, carried out at Agriculture Canada Research Station, Agassiz, 37 colostrum-deprived Holstein-Friesian bull calves were allotted to one of four treatments. Col/WM calves were fed colostrum

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... n day 1 and whole milk, days 2 - 42. MR-Nolg calves (control) were fed milk replacer with no Ig, days 1-42. MR-Hi/Lo calves were fed milk replacer with Ig at 50 mg/ml on day 1, and at 10 mg/ml, days 2 -21. MR-Hi/No calves were fed milk replacer with Ig at 50 mg/ml, day 1,'and with no Ig, days 2 - 21. From days 2 2 - 42, MR-Hi/Lo and MR-Hi/No treatment calves received milk replacer with no Ig. In experiment 2, carried out at the University Research Farm at Oyster River, 24 colostrum-deprived Holstein-Friesian bull calves were allotted to one of three treatments. The first two treatments were the same as for experiment 1, Col/WM and MR-Nolg fed for days 1-21. MR-Lo Inj calves were fed milk replacer with Ig at 10 mg/ml, days 1-21, and were also given a SC injection of Ig solution within the first 6 hours of life. For days 2-42, calves were fed WM or MR-Nolg, as per experiment 1. For both experiments, blood samples and calf weights were taken at birth, 24 & 48 hours of age, day 7 and weekly thereafter for six weeks. Diarrhea (scours) levels, rectal temperatures and general health of calves were recorded daily for the first three weeks as well. Experiment 1 survival at 6 weeks of age was 11 out of 11 calves for Col/WM treatment, 8 out of 8 calves for MR-Hi/Lo treatment, 7 out of 8 calves for MR-Hi/No and a significantly lower (P>0.05) 7 out of 9 calves for MR-Nolg. In experiment 2, survival was 7 out of 8 calves for both Col/WM and MR-Lo-Inj treatments and a significantly lower (P>0.05) 4 out of 8 calves for MR-Nolg [...]