EFFECT OF PANTOPRAZOLE THE RATE OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN ABSORPTION IN NEWBORN CALVES

Newborn calves are agammaglobulinemic due to not receiving maternal immunoglobulin (Ig) in the uterus, and gain immunity immediately after birth through colostrum intake. Abomasum produces more acid within 24 hours after birth, leading to an increase of the probability of colostrum globulin destruction. The aim of the present study was to find if blocking acid secretion through proton pump inhibitors might prevent the destruction of colostrum immunoglobulins. Fifteen newly-born male Holstein calves were divided into five equal groups, including three control groups and two test groups. The calves were fed colostrum and milk at zero, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 hours after birth using an esophageal tube as follows: Control groups: A- calves were fed milk for 24 hours after birth, then colostrum for 72 hours; B- calves were fed milk for 48 hours after birth, then colostrum for 72 hours; C- calves were fed colostrum for 72 hours after birth. Test groups: A) pantoprazole was injected intravenously every 24 hours (2 mg/kg) and the calves were fed milk for 24 hours after birth and then colostrum for the next 72 hours. B) pantoprazole was injected intravenously every 24 hours (2 mg/kg), and the calves were fed milk for 48 hours after birth and then colostrum for 72 hours. Serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels were measured using ELISA. The results did not show any significant differences in Ig blood concentrations in the control and test groups. Therefore, it is assumed that the high pH of abomasum has no significant effect on Ig intake.