Colostrum essays

Immunoglubins/Immunity/Colostrum essays Importance of Immunoglobulins at Birth The development of animals requires a sterile environment, and with mammals we call this place the womb. But after birth, the newborn enters a world with millions of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that may cause disease or even death. It is important that the newborn develop a healthy immune system so it is less likely to become diseased. While humans receive 90% of immunoglobulins, essential proteins that respond and protect the body, via the placenta, dogs and cats receive only 5-10%, and unfortunately, livestock receive no immunoglobulins. This is why it is important for livestock to receive immunoglobulins in some other way. Colostrum is another way immunity is transferred between a mother and her newborn. Colostrum is the first secretion from the mammary glands of mothers after parturition. Colostrum contains leukocytes, lactoferrin, lysozyme, cytokines, lymphokines, proline-rich polypeptides, and immunoglobulins. The most important of these being immunoglobulins because they can only be absorbed during the 24 or 36 hours after birth. This is the only time the immunoglobulins can be absorbed through the gut and intestines of the animal. In fact, the most immunoglobulins are in the colostrum during the first 12 hours (6%) and may decrease to only 1% after 24 hours. Thus, it is critical for animals to obtain as much colostrum as they can during the first day of life. There are a number of reasons why immonoglobulins are important to develop an animals first immunity. Immunoglobulins consist of five different forms of antibodies like IgM, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgA. IgM antibodies are antibacterial and help neutralize endotoxins from gram-negative bacteria. IgD antibodies are found on lymphocytes and make up a small percentage of immunoglobulins. IgE antibodies mediate allergic and anaphylatic reactions and also serve a minor response to the immune syste ...