Comparison of IgG and lactoferrin levels in the serum and colostrum of holstein and buffalo cows and in their calves.

This study compared immunoglobulin G (IgG) and lactoferrin concentrations in the serum and colostrum of cows and buffaloes, as well as in the serum of their calves. A total of 20 dams (10 Holstein cows and 10 buffaloes) and their 20 calves (10 Holstein calves and 10 buffalo calves) were included. Blood samples were collected from all calves on days 0 (before colostrum intake), 1, 2, 7, 14, and 30. In addition, blood and colostrum samples were obtained from the dams on days 0, 1, and 2. IgG and lactoferrin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with species-specific bovine kits. Buffalo calves exhibited higher IgG and lactoferrin concentrations than Holstein calves, particularly during the first days after birth (IgG: Holstein calves: 29.10±7.20; Buffalo calves: 38.80±7.40) (Lactoferrin: Holstein calves: 122.00±31.00; Buffalo calves: 273.00±45.00). In both species, IgG and lactoferrin peaked on days 1-2 and then declined. Although IgG concentrations did not differ significantly between cows and buffaloes (p=0,100), buffaloes showed markedly higher lactoferrin concentrations (p=0.007). These findings suggest that buffalo colostrum may provide greater immunological support to calves in the early stages of life compared with Holstein colostrum.