Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
8988832 The Veterinary Journal 2005 9 Pages PDF
Abstract
Dry period diet had only minor effects on leukocyte numbers, and did not influence neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst. In addition, no effect was observed on disease incidence or SAA concentrations. However, an increase in the proportion of B-lymphocytes and a decrease in the proportion of WC1+ T lymphocytes were observed after calving in cows fed high or low energy rations during the dry period, but not in cows fed a medium energy ration. The weeks just before and after parturition were characterised by neutrophilia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia and monocytosis, but time had no effect on neutrophil phagocytosis and oxidative burst. The proportions of CD4+, CD8+, B+ and IL-2R+ lymphocytes increased in early lactation relative to the mid dry period. In addition, the concentration of SAA increased dramatically at calving. The results emphasise the need for more studies to clarify the complex interactions between nutrition and immunity during the peripartum period in dairy cattle.
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Life Sciences Agricultural and Biological Sciences Animal Science and Zoology
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