Acta Vet. Brno 2025, 94: 261-271

https://doi.org/10.2754/avb202594040261

The assessment of serum biochemical indicators in neonatal beef calves with different passive immunity statuses

Mehmet Akköse1,2, Murat Onur Yazlık3, Ufuk Kaya4, Elif Merve Çınar5, Ceyhan Özbeyaz6, Mehmet Rıfat Vural3

1Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Buca, Izmir, Türkiye
2General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises, Dalaman Agricultural Enterprise, Department of Livestock, Dalaman, Muğla, Türkiye
3Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dışkapı, Ankara, Türkiye
4Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Hatay, Türkiye
5Dicle University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Sur, Diyarbakır, Türkiye
6Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Sciences, Dışkapı, Ankara, Türkiye

Received May 7, 2025
Accepted October 30, 2025

While failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in beef calves, adequate transfer of passive immunity (ATPI) positively affects calf health, survival and performance. This study was aimed at the assessment of alterations in the serum biochemical indicators of beef calves with different passive immunity statuses. Blood samples were collected from 1- to 7-day-old, healthy beef calves (n = 51) by jugular venipuncture. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations were measured with the radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay. IgG concentrations of < 10 g/l were described as indicating FTPI, 10–24 g/l were described as indicating moJ273derate transfer of passive immunity (TPI), and ≥ 24 g/l were described as indicating ATPI. Based on their serum IgG concentrations, calves were assigned to one of the passive immunity groups (FTPI, n = 15; moderate TPI, n = 10; ATPI, n = 26). Differences among the passive immunity groups for the biochemical indicators were determined by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal Wallis test according to normality assumption of parameters. The gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) activity, and serum total protein (STP), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and cholesterol concentrations of the beef calves with ATPI were significantly higher than those with FTPI. Serum magnesium concentrations of the beef calves with ATPI were greater than those with FTPI. Serum aspartate aminotransferase activity, urea, albumin, β-hydroxybutyric acid, and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, serum concentrations of biochemical indices such as STP, GGT, cholesterol, Ca, and P were altered in the beef calves with FTPI.

Funding

This study did not receive financial support from any institution or company.

References

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