To evaluate the transfer of cytokines into the blood of neonates via colostrum intake of Holstein cows were used 15 calves born from eutocic, shared equally by three experimental groups (n=5) G1-received 2 liters of fresh colostrum from their own mothers, G2-received 2 liters of colostrum from the "pool" of frozen colostrum and G3-were fed only milk. These group blood samples were collected at five times during the first fifteen days and measured the concentrations of IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a and IFN-γ. Also measured are the cytokines IL-1 β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the supernatant of colostrum fed to calves from G1 , and cytokines IL-1β , IL-6 , TNF-α and IFN-γ in the supernatant the "pool " of colostrum fed to calves in G2 . It is the transfer of IL - 1b , IL- 6, TNF-a and IFN-γ in the serum of calves from G1 whereas the other groups G2 and G3 were not detected.
Newborn calves; transfer of passive immunity; cytokines; Holstein cows
