Dian Yusmaria Mohd Yusoff (2010) A study on passive immunity transfer in beef cattle calves under extensive systems. Universiti Malaysia Sabah. (Unpublished)
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Abstract
The increasing demand for beef supply requires greater production of live marketed calves. The common calf diseases such as diarrhea, septicemia and pneumonia which contribute to high morbidity and mortality of the preweaning calves became the greatest challenge to the livestock industry in Malaysia. Passive immunity transferred from dam through colostrum is vital to protect the calf from disease infection in the first few weeks of its life. This study was conducted on Brahman calves born between April and July 2009 and between November and December 2009 at the livestock Breeding Centre, Tawau, Sabah. The objectives of this study were to quantify the occurrence of common calf diseases and mortality and to evaluate the relationship of sex, birth weight, age and weight at sampling on serum TP of the calves at about one week until nine months of age. Refractometer method was used to determine the passive immunity status of the calves by measuring the serum total protein (TP). A failure in passive transfer (FPT) was indicated by serum TP concentration lower than 5.0 g/dl, the normal serum TP value in calves range from 5-6 g/dl and adequate when the serum TP concentration over 6.0 g/dl. It was observed that majority of the calves (75.9%) in this study were suffering from hypoproteinemia. Birth weight (21-25 kg) was a significant factor that influenced serum TP level and it was more Significant in female calves. Age (6-8 days) of the calves either male or female was significant factor affecting serum TP. However, the common calf diseases and mortality cases observed were very low. Refractometer can be used to indicate the status of passive immunity status of calves born at a farm. Morbidity and mortality of calves with failure of passive transfer can be reduced through good management practices.
| Item Type: | Academic Exercise |
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| Keyword: | Beef, Greater production, Beef supply, Marketed calves, Livestock industry, Tawau |
| Subjects: | S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF1-1100 Animal culture > SF191-275 Cattle |
| Department: | SCHOOL > School of Sustainable Agriculture |
| Depositing User: | ADMIN ADMIN |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Oct 2012 16:30 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Oct 2017 09:39 |
| URI: | https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/5032 |
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