What antigens are tested for specificity in IgScan?
Initially IgScan will include seven antigens related to early calfhood diseases. (Additional antigens will be added as they become available.) Bovine Rotavirus Bovine Coronavirus Cryptosporidium parvum (two antigens) Escherichia coli K99 Salmonella Dublin Salmonella Typhimurium
What diagnostic technology is used to determine specificity for the IgScan test?
We use an indirect ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method to measure antibody specificity in milk replacer or colostrum replacer products. In simpler terms, the test looks for antibody concentrations to certain pathogens. These antigens are then measured to determine the potential gaps in passive immunity for calves.
How does my milk replacer (or colostrum replacer) compare with others?
The best way to know how your milk replacer IgG compares to others is to have it tested using IgScan. Arkion has tested many commonly used products and can provide an IgScan comparison report of how a customer’s sample compares with them. Note: Although all milk replacers have a specified amount of protein, Arkion Life […]
My milk replacer (or colostrum replacer) has IgG. Why should I use IgScan?
Milk replacers are formulated to provide dairy calves with the nutrients needed for growth, but not necessarily with the IgG needed to provide enteric immunity. In fact, milk replacers and colostrum replacers vary greatly in the amount of IgG as well as the specificity of IgG, which means not all protein sources are the same. […]
Who uses IgScan?
IgScan was developed as a tool for nutrition companies, veterinarians and nutritionists to understand the IgG antibody specificity in their or their customer’s milk replacer or colostrum replacer. Knowing the antibody specificity leads to better choices. Knowledge is power.
Why is antibody specificity important?
Antibodies are only able to bind to targets they recognize. If an antibody does not recognize a specific bacterium or virus of interest, the antibody cannot bind to it and neutralize it. Antibody specificity measures which pathogens, or antigens, the antibodies in a sample can recognize. This precision is essential for effective supplementation to help […]
What is IgScan™ Antibody Specificity Testing?
IgScan™ Antibody Specificity Testing is a new Arkion Life Sciences service that measures not only total IgG in milk and colostrum replacers, but also the antibody specificity of that IgG against key early calfhood enteric pathogens. Research shows high total IgG doesn’t always mean high disease-specific protection. This poor specificity can leave calves vulnerable, increasing […]