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1 December 2011 Evaluation of Passive Transfer in Captive Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)
Elizabeth E. Hammond, Christine V. Fiorello
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Failure of passive transfer (FPT) in captive greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) calves can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. In this retrospective study, serum samples from neonatal kudu calves were tested for immunoglobulin using different tests validated for domestic ruminants, including measurement of gamma globulin (GG) measured by protein electrophoresis, total solids (TS) measured by calibrated refractometry, total protein (TP) and globulins measured by colorimetry, gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), and the zinc sulfate turbidity test (ZSTT). In a logistic regression model, TP, TS, globulins, and the natural log transform of GGT were the only significant parameters associated with FPT. Various historic parameters related to the dam, as well as calf weight, sex, glucose, and packed cell volume, were not significant. Based on the results, FPT in greater kudu is defined as GG of <0.5 g/dl, a value lower than that in domestic cattle. TS measured by refractometry has an 80% sensitivity and a 100% specificity for FPT in greater kudu. With FPT defined as GG < 0.5 g/dl, kudu calves with a TS < 4.8 g/dl and a negative ZSTT have an increased probability of requiring medical intervention and additional diagnostics may be warranted.

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Elizabeth E. Hammond and Christine V. Fiorello "Evaluation of Passive Transfer in Captive Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 42(4), 651-657, (1 December 2011). https://doi.org/10.1638/2011-0042.1
Received: 21 February 2011; Published: 1 December 2011
KEYWORDS
gamma globulins
greater kudu
neonatal immunity
passive transfer
Tragelaphus strepsiceros
zinc sulfate turbidity
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