Occurrence of Bovine IgG1 Fragment in Feces of Newborn Calf

Abstract

The fate of colostral IgG in calves was investigated by means of immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis, and following results were obtained. 1. IgG₁ was predominant in colostrum and it was found in a considerable amount in calf blood after ingestion of colostrum, while IgG₂ was negligible. 2. In calf feces were found intact IgG and its F(ab')₂ fragments which were not detected in colostrum and calf blood. It was assumed that IgG₁ was partly digested in gut of calves and the resulting fragment F(ab')₂ was excreted without absorption.