From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2002-09-27 23:23:04 UTC
Subject: Re: Distemper Vaccinations
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <p05111700b9ba9518b4e0@[10.0.1.37]>
This is from _Saunder's Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary_ and may
prove useful (Any errors are mine nad accidently introduced...)
"colostrum
the thick, yellow secretion present in the mammary gland in
increasing amounts for several days or weeks, depending on the
species, before and for about a week after parturition [giving
birth]. It is very rich in maternal antibodies and is essential in
providing passive immunity to the neonate. An adequate amount of
colostrum must be ingested during the first few hours after birth
while the intestinal epithelium is still permeable to the large
moleculesof the immunoglubulins.
Immunoglubulin levels un colostrum vary between species and are much
higher than those found later in the milk. The predominant
immunoglobulin in colostrum is IgG, Called also beestings.
..."
It goes on with some specific things like when immune mediated
hemolytic anemia can occur with cross-species nursing when lambs get
cow's milk, and other stuff.
So, I guess my memory worked on one point, but I didn't know the
really, really important part that the intestinal permeability that
happnes only very early in life is apparently critical for uptake of
these antibodies. Guess these factors could help it time out.