Two experiments were conducted to determine the serum antibody (IgG) dynamic in calves infected with Haemonchus placei. At Experiment 1, the IgG level during the first and second experimental infection were measured and at Experiment 2, the influence of dietary protein and immunization on IgG levels. The calves were immunized using successive H. placei infection truncated by the use of anthelmintic and challenged with 100,000 L3. The infected calves developed a high level of protection, with a significant reduction on fecal egg counts (EPG) at the second infection. However, at the same period, the IgG values continue to presented high levels, independent of the EPG decrease. It was also observed that calves submitted to an adequate protein diet presented a higher IgG level, suggesting an influence on immune response to the infection when compared to the low protein diet calves.
Haemonchus; Bovine; ELISA
