Total serum protein and immunoglobulin concentrations in Scottish Blackface and Merino lambs at birth and during the first two days of suckling

Abstract

SUMMARYMerino lambs had higher serum protein concentrations at birth than Blackface lambs. In both breeds single lambs had higher concentrations than twins. The maximum mean immunoglobulin concentrations in Merino singles, Blackface singles and Blackface twins were 2·50±0·12, 2·50±0·19 and l·96±0·15 g/100 ml serum respectively, and were recorded 18 or 21 h after birth.