Comprehensive Evaluation of Direct Methods for Failure of Passive Transfer Diagnosis in Neonatal Calves

Abstract

Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) is a critical concern in neonatal calves, marked by inadequate maternal immunoglobulin transmission due to the syndesmochorial placenta. This leads to heightened disease prevalence, significantly impacting calf health and imposing substantial economic burdens. The prevalence of FPT varies globally, with studies reporting incidence rates ranging from 13% to 41%, one of the explanations for such high variability being the use of different methods and non-adapted thresholds. Efficient diagnostic methodologies are essential to address this challenge, with ongoing exploration of alternative approaches beyond the established gold standard of radial immunodiffusion (RID). This review critically evaluates the available direct methods for FPT assessment gathering the most recent data on both established methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and innovative methodologies such as immunoturbidimetry, split trehalase IgG assay (STIGA), ionization techniques (IT), mass spectrometry (MS), proteomics, and infrared spectroscopy (IS) with attenuated infrared spectroscopy (ATR). Exploring beyond conventional practices is vital for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and addressing the complexities of FPT in calf health management.

Keywords

• failure of passive transfer
• radial immunodiffusion
• calf management
• immunoglobulins
• total serum protein