Detection of the Haemophilus somnus antibodies in the bulls' reproductive tract fluids using the ELISA. II. Occurrence of specific antibodies in bulls from three Bull Rearing Centers.

Abstract

301 seminal plasma samples, 212 preputial washings samples, and 173 blood serum samples were obtained from 242 bulls from the three Bull Rearing Centers (BRCs) (P, W, R). The bulls were examined on their reproductive ability and depending on the result they were qualified to 4 groups. The H. somnus antibodies were detected in the IgG, IgM and IgA classes using ELISA. In seminal plasma the H. somnus antibodies were detected in the IgA (44.5%) and the IgG (4%) class. No antibodies were detected in the IgM class. In preputial washings the specific antibodies were detected in the IgA (42%), IgG (8.5%) and IgM (3.8%) classes. In blood serum the antibodies occurred in the IgG (76.9%), IgM (59.5%) and IgA (44.5%) classes. Between the particular BRCs and auction groups there were considerable, often significant, differences in the frequency of occurrence of the specific antibodies and the intensity of reactions found.