FFA Veterinary Science CDE Practice Test

What is the main purpose of passive immunity in newborn mammals?

1. To prevent chronic diseases

2. To provide immediate nutrition

3. To transfer maternal antibodies

4. To enhance bone density

The correct answer is: To transfer maternal antibodies

The main purpose of passive immunity in newborn mammals is to transfer maternal antibodies. This process is crucial for offspring, as they are born with an immature immune system that is not yet capable of mounting an effective response to pathogens. By receiving antibodies from the mother—often through colostrum, the first milk produced after giving birth—newborns gain immediate protection against infections that their mother has already encountered. This transfer of antibodies is a vital mechanism that helps ensure the survival of the young during their early, vulnerable days when they are most susceptible to illness. The other options do not accurately capture the primary role of passive immunity. For instance, while preventing chronic diseases might be a long-term benefit of a strong immune system, it does not relate specifically to the immediate protective function of transferring maternal antibodies. Providing immediate nutrition is crucial for the development of the young but relates more to feeding rather than immunity. Enhancing bone density is a concern for overall health but is not connected to the concept of passive immunity or the role that maternal antibodies play.