Composition and functional capacity of blood mononuclear leukocyte populations from neonatal calves on standard and intensified milk replacer diets
Open accessAbstract
Effects of increased dietary energy and protein on the composition and functional capacities of blood mononuclear leukocyte populations from milk replacer-fed calves were investigated. Holstein bull calves (average age: 4.2 d; n = 19) were assigned randomly to one of two treatment groups. Treatment 1 calves (n = 9) were fed a 20% crude protein, 20% fat milk replacer at a rate of 1.4% body weight of dry matter/d for 8 wk, whereas treatment 2 calves (n = 10) were fed a 30% crude protein, 20% fat milk replacer at a rate of 2.5% body weight of dry matter per day. Composition and functional capacities of mononuclear leukocyte populations from blood samples collected at 4, 18, 32, 46, and 60 d of age were characterized by flow cytometry and ex vivo cell function assays. From 11 to 60 d of age, the mean daily weight gain of treatment 2 calves (1.20 kg/d) was greater than daily weight gain of treatment 1 calves (0.55 kg/d). At 60 d of age, the mean body weight of treatment two calves was 53% (39 kg) greater than the mean body weight of treatment 1 calves. Total numbers of blood leukocytes and the composition of the mononuclear leukocyte population were unaffected by the plane of nutrition. Mitogen-induced DNA-synthesis and immunoglobulin M secretion also were unaffected by dietary treatment. Blood mononuclear leukocytes from calves on intensified diets, however, produced less interferon-gamma and more inducible nitric oxide, suggesting that increased dietary energy and protein affects specific aspects of leukocyte function associated with cell-mediated immunity. The impact of altered interferon-gamma and NO production on the calf s susceptibility to infectious disease are not known. Mononuclear leukocyte populations from all calves also demonstrated age-related changes in composition and functional capacity, likely reflecting natural exposure to infectious agents and maturation of the calfs immune system.
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Data from several non-transport-related studies suggest that higher planes of nutrition improve immune function in calves, potentially reducing the risk of disease and mortality during and after transport.
“Generally, data from several non-transport-related studies suggest that higher planes of nutrition improve immune function in calves, potentially reducing the risk of disease and mortality during and after transport (Nonnecke et al., 2003; Ballou, 2012).”
From Effects of pre- and post-transport feeding protocols on the metabolism and physiological status of veal calves. (2025) · cites this paper as Nonnecke et al., 2003
The Introduction suggests that intensified nutrition may benefit neonatal calves’ immune systems, and the Conclusions report possible changes in cell-mediated immune responses. But the Conclusions say the measured immune effects were minimal. The paper does not establish improved immune function or reduced disease or mortality during or after transport. (LLM, conf=0.86)
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References 35 · Cited by 100
Research works printed but not linked: 2
- M.S. Thesis. Univ. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
- National Research Council. 2001. Pages 214-233 in Nutrient Require- ments of Dairy Cattle. 7th rev. ed.. Natl. Acad. Sci., Washing- ton, DC.
- Authors
- Nonnecke, B. J., Foote, M. R., Smith, J. M., Pesch, B. A., & Van Amburgh, M. E.
- Affiliations
- Agricultural Research Service (US)
- Cornell University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Nonnecke, B.J.
- ORCID
- Smith, J.M.
- Venue
- Journal of Dairy Science
- Publisher
- American Dairy Science Association
- Published
- 2003-11
- Volume
- 86
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 3592-3604
- ISSN
- 0022-0302 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2104102721
- Cited by
- 100
- References
- 35
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 5
- FWCI
- 3.22
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Dairy Science (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Animal health and immunology
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Animal Nutrition and Physiology
- Keywords
- neonatal calves, milk replacer, dietary energy, dietary protein, mononuclear leukocytes, leukocyte function, interferon-gamma, inducible nitric oxide, cell-mediated immunity, weight gain, age-related immune changes
- MeSH terms
- Aging, Animals, Animals, Newborn, Cattle, Dietary Fats, Dietary Proteins, Flow Cytometry, Food, Formulated, Immunity, Cellular, Leukocytes, Mononuclear, Male, Random Allocation, Weight Gain
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