Abstract
In order to explore the features of the immune system, sera samples of neonatal buffalo calves (24) and cow calves (24) were processed for ELISA of IgM, IgG and IgA. PAGE of the immunoglobulins of the sera samples was conducted to separate the different types of immunoglobulins. The levels of all the types of immunoglobulins increased with age of the calves in serum after colostrum feeding and the degree of elevation was higher for IgG and IgA. The overall enhancement recorded was greater in the cow calves than in the buffalo calves. The increment in the concentration of immunoglobulins was significant (P<0.05) within 6 days postcolostral feeding; thereafter, a consistency was maintained, except for IgG, which was always at higher levels. Overall, to begun with, five bands were recorded in PAGE, of which the first band was conspicuous. The other bands might have been the fragmented forms of IgD and IgA indicative of poor immunity at the time of birth. The sixth band appeared in PAGE along with consolidation of other bands in terms of density at 15 days postcolostral feeding, indicating the building up of the immune system. After about 60 days of age, the molecular weight and density of the bands increased. This is indicative of the polymerization of immunoglobulins. The immunomodulators like neem oil and withaneloid also enhanced the polymerization of immunoglobulins. Finally, it was evident from the data developed that the amount and molecular weight of each immunoglobulin type increased with consolidation by the 90(th) day of age of the calves. It was concluded that the buffalo calves not only had poor immunocompetence, but also had poor response to the immunity-boosters as compared to the cow calves. Among the immunoregulators used, neem oil could be recommended as an effective and cheap immunity-booster for buffalo calves.