What is the primary role of passive immunity in animal health?

The primary role of passive immunity in animal health is to offer immediate protection against infection. Passive immunity is the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, which can occur naturally, as in the case of a mother providing antibodies to her offspring through colostrum, or artificially, through the administration of immunoglobulins. This type of immunity is particularly important in situations where quick protection is necessary, such as in newborn animals that are vulnerable to disease before their own immune systems are fully developed.

In contrast to active immunity, which typically takes time to develop as the body mounts its own immune response after exposure to a pathogen or vaccination, passive immunity provides a rapid response to protect against infections. This immediate response is crucial in the early stages of life, where animals are at a high risk of infectious diseases.

Long-term resistance to disease is primarily achieved through active immunity, which develops over time as the individual is exposed to pathogens or vaccinations. While passive immunity can enhance the efficacy of vaccinations in some contexts, its main role remains that of providing immediate protection. Nutritional intake is unrelated to the mechanism of immunity itself.