FFA Veterinary Science CDE Practice Test

What type of immunity is demonstrated when newborn animals nurse colostrum from their mother?

1. Passive

2. Impassive

3. Direct

4. Indirect

The correct answer is: Passive

The type of immunity demonstrated when newborn animals nurse colostrum from their mother is known as passive immunity. This form of immunity is provided to the newborn through the transfer of antibodies present in the mother's colostrum, which is the first milk produced after giving birth. Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, especially IgG, which are essential for protecting the newborn during the early days of life when its immune system is still developing. Passive immunity is characterized by the direct acquisition of antibodies from another source rather than the animal’s own immune response to antigens. In this case, the newborn benefits from the mother's immune experience, gaining immediate protection against various pathogens without having to develop that immunity on its own. Other options such as impassive, direct, and indirect do not correctly describe the mechanism of immunity involved in this scenario. Impassive is not a recognized term in the context of immunology. Direct and indirect typically refer to different pathways or mechanisms not related to the immediate transfer of antibodies through nursing. Thus, passive immunity is the most accurate answer in this context.