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Micronutrients and immune function in cattle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2007

Jerry W. Spears
Jerry W. Spears*
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science and Interdepartmental Nutrition Program, CB# 7621, North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC 27695–7621, USA
*
Corresponding author:Professor Jerry Spears, fax +1 919 515 4463, email jerry_spears@ncsu.edu
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Abstract

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Complex inter-relationships exist between certain micronutrients, immune function and disease resistance in cattle. Several micronutrients have been shown to influence immune responses. The relationship between deficiencies of some micronutrients and disease resistance is less clear. A number of studies have indicated that Cr supplementation may improve cell-mediated and humoral immune response as well as resistance to respiratory infections in stressed cattle. With respiratory-disease challenge models Cr generally does not affect disease resistance. Deficiencies of Cu, Se, vitamin E and Co in cattle reduce the ability of isolated neutrophils to kill yeast and/or bacteria. Cu deficiency reduces antibody production, but cell-mediated immunity is generally not altered. However, Cu deficiency appears to reduce production of interferon and tumour necrosis factor by mononuclear cells. Numerous studies have linked low vitamin E and/or Se status to increased susceptibility of dairy cows to intramammary infections. In contrast to findings in laboratory animals, marginal Zn deficiency does not appear to impair antibody production or lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogen stimulation in ruminants. Co deficiency has been associated with reduced resistance to parasitic infections. It is well documented that vitamin A-deficient animals are more susceptible to various types of infections. β-Carotene, possibly via its antioxidant properties, may affect immune function and disease resistance independent of its role as a precursor of vitamin A.

Keywords

Immune responsesTrace elementsVitamins
Type
Meeting Report
Information
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 59 , Issue 4 , November 2000 , pp. 587 - 594
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 2000

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