Production and use of murine monoclonal antibodies reactive with bovine IgM isotype and IgG subisotypes (IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b) in assessing immunoglobulin levels in serum of cattle.

Utilizing in-vitro and in-vivo immunizations, murine monoclonal antibodies (Mab's) that are specific for bovine immunoglobulin (IG)--IgM isotype and IgG subisotypes (IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b)--have been produced. These Mab's were used to estimate the quantities of these bovine Ig isotype and IgG subisotypes in the sera of 56 cows and 24 bulls. The cows were all approximately 18 months of age and the bulls ranged from 12 to 18 months in age. The cows and bull were all apparently healthy and unimmunized. The cows were not pregnant and were nulliparous. Some differences were observed between the serum levels of IgM (higher in cows) and IgG1 (higher in bulls). No ready explanation can be offered for these observed differences.