Production of hyperimmune bovine colostrum against Campylobacter jejuni.

Abstract

Serial immunization of dairy cows with Campylobacter jejuni resulted in an enhanced serum antibody response and production of hyperimmune colostrum in all vaccinated animals. An approximate 10-fold decrease in the Camp. jejuni-specific antibody titres in colostrum was observed within 2 d post-partum. The lyophilized colostral concentrate fed to newborn calves resulted in a rapid increase in serum antibody response. Specific Camp. jejuni immunoglobulins could be detected in these animals for a further 10 weeks. The lyophilized hyperimmunized colostrum was very stable in vitro at different storage temperatures. It could be used for passive immunization to campylobacteriosis.