The relationship between salivary and blood IgG levels in goat kids

Abstract

Goats have historically been a primary source of milk and meat in tropical and subtropical regions due to their high milk production and adaptation to adverse climates. Spain is an important producer of goat milk in the EU, with genetic improvement programs for native breeds and production characterized by intensive systems and family-owned farms. Dairy goat production is crucial in the Canary Islands, with breeds adapted to the different environments of the archipelago. Goat kids rely on passive immunization through colostrum, as antibody transfer during gestation is limited. The absorption of immunoglobulins from colostrum is crucial in the first hours of life. Ruminant saliva contains important proteins and other bioactive components that contribute to gut and immune health. This study investigates the feasibility of using IgG concentration in saliva as an innovative and non-invasive diagnostic method to estimate systemic IgG concentration in goat kids during the first month of life. The results show no significant correlation between IgG concentrations in saliva and plasma, suggesting that saliva does not adequately reflect systemic IgG levels derived from colostrum. This study opens the door to future research to explore the mechanisms of IgG secretion in saliva and validate analytical methods that can offer more accurate and correlative results with systemic IgG concentrations, enhancing the use of saliva as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in veterinary practice.