Dynamics of the transfer of immunoglobulin G in the binomial mother-newborn of llama (Lama glama)

Abstract

The transfer of immunity by colostrum in llama is a critical event in the survival of the newborn (teke). The objective of this work was to establish the kinetics of the concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in tekes during the first 5 months of life and to relate the concentration of IgG in serum and colostrum of the llamas with the concentration in serum of the tekes. A cohort, observational and analytical study was designed. Twenty-five llamas and their respective offspring were studied. The concentration of IgG in colostrum and serum of the mothers was determined, and in tekes from birth to 150 days of life, using the simple radial immunodiffusion technique. The results showed an average concentration of IgG in llama serum of 4311.47 mg/dl and in colostrum of 23254.9 mg/dl. In the tekes at 0 h, the concentration of IgG was not measurable, reaching maximum values between 18 and 24 h, (4094.06 and 4197.95 mg/dl respectively), not finding in this period differences with the concentration of the maternal serum IgG (p 0.694). From 24 hours to 120 days a decrease in IgG levels was observed (p<0.0001), registering an increase at 150 days (p 0.0001). It is concluded that the values of colostral IgG are independent of the serum concentration in llamas and tekes, there being no association between them (p<0.0001). Colostrum provides levels of IgG that achieve a serum concentration in the tekes similar to those of their mothers at 24 hs postpartum.