Eighty-eight healthy crossbred holstein-zebu (HZ) dairy cows were distributed in four groups as follow: Group 1 = less than 70% HZ (19 cows); Group 2 = 75% HZ animals, corresponding to ¾ HZ (46 cows); Group 3 = crossbred animals between 80 to 90% HZ, corresponding to 13/16 HZ and 7/8 HZ (11 cows); Group 4 = cows more than 90% HZ (12 animals). After birth, colostrum samples were obtained from each cow and than were analyzed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration by single radial immunodifusion assay. IgG colostral concentrations were not influenced by group of crossbred HZ and its mean concentration (145.97mg/m<img src="http:/img/fbpe/cr/v31n6/a19img01.gif">) were higher than that related for purebreds Bos taurus dairy cows. Considering these results, it was concluded that artificial methods of feeding colostrum to crossbred HZ calves are not necessary. Probably, assisted natural sucking as soon after birth as possible is enough to get passive immune transfer.
cattle; colostrum; immunoglobulin; passive transfer immunity; neonatal immunity
