The aim of our study was to evaluate association between failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) and health of bovine calves. A prospective study on seventy four (Cattle - 18 and Buffalo - 56) new born calves was planned to evaluate the impact of passive immunity on morbidity and mortality in first two months of life. Serum total protein (STP) in g/dl between 24-48 hrs after birth was kept as standard for passive transfer. Based on levels of STP (g/dl) the calves were classified as having excellent (STP > 6.2 g/dl), good (STP = 5.8-6.1 g/dl), fair (STP = 5.1- 5.7) and poor (STP <5.1 g/dl) passive transfer. The calves were monitored for occurrence of disease especially neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD) and mortality upto 60 days of age. The occurrence of FTPI was significantly (P<0.05) higher in buffalo as compared to cattle calves (11.1 % vs 37.5 %). Nili ravi breed of buffalo had higher odds of having FTPI as compared to murrah. With respect to disease occurrenc  the onset of NCD was delayed in calves without FTPI as compared to calves with FTPI. The odds of NCD in buffalo calves with excellent passive transfer (STP > 6.2 g/dl) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower as compared to calves with poor passive transfer (STP < 5.1 g/dl). The study concluded FTPI was higher in buffalo calves in comparison to cattle calves reared under same management system. The odds of mortality was higher in buffalo calves with poor passive transfer (OR = 1.2 ; 95 % CI = 0.27-5.24) as compared to calves with excellent passive transfer. Efficiency of passive transfer was found to influence NCD and mortality in new born calves. 

Highlights

• Evaluate the association between failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) and health of bovine calves.
• FTPI was higher in buffalo calves in comparison to cattle calves.