Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

What are medications derived from plasma and fibrinogen that produce immunity in livestock called?

1. Vaccines

2. Antibiotics

3. Serums

4. Hormones

The correct answer is: Serums

Medications derived from plasma and fibrinogen that produce immunity in livestock are known as serums. Serums contain antibodies that help protect animals from specific diseases by providing passive immunity. When animals are exposed to a disease, their immune systems produce antibodies; these antibodies can then be collected from the blood and used to create serum. This is particularly valuable in veterinary medicine, as it provides immediate immunization to an animal against infection. Vaccines, while also related to immunity, work differently by stimulating the animal's own immune system to produce its antibodies over time, rather than providing pre-made antibodies like serums do. Antibiotics are used to combat bacterial infections and do not have a role in producing immunity. Hormones are involved in regulating various physiological processes in the body but do not relate to immunity in the way that serums do. Understanding the use and function of serums in livestock health helps in managing the care and wellbeing of these animals effectively.