THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA IN LAMBS GIVEN BOVINE COLOSTRUM

Newborn lambs which had been given colostrum from a single cow develop ed thrombocytopenia and seven died. The clinical signs included purpur a, haemoglobinuria, melaena, dullness and lethargy. The lambs died at one to two days old. Post mortem examination revealed widespread haemo rrhages throughout the body. Lambs given small amounts of colostrum de veloped a transient thrombocytopenia but did not die.