A research team from the VistaMilk SFI Research Centre, based at the Tyndall National Institute, has developed an economical point-of-care device to help combat Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT). FPT is a passive immunity dysfunction that predisposes calves to development of disease and increases the risk of calf mortality. The new test is capable of rapid detection of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies on-farm within the first 24 hours of life and provides informed decision support to farmers and veterinarians.
Dr. Alan O'Riordan, Principal Investigator at Tyndall and lead VistaMilk researcher on the project, explained:
Early monitoring of IgG absorption in a calf allows faster treatment of inadequate colostrum levels and prevention of FPT. This immunosensor device will enable rapid confirmation of FPT for farmers and veterinarians, thereby improving calves' vitality and survival rate.