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Micronutrients and immune function in cattle.

J W Spears1

  • 1Department of Animal Science and Interdepartmental Nutrition Program, CB# 7621, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7621, USA. jerry_spears@ncsu.edu

The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
|January 11, 2000
PubMed
Summary
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Micronutrient deficiencies in cattle can impair immune function and increase disease susceptibility. Supplementation, particularly of chromium (Cr), may enhance immune responses and resistance to infections in stressed animals.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary immunology
  • Animal nutrition
  • Ruminant health

Background:

  • Micronutrients play a crucial role in immune function and disease resistance in cattle.
  • Deficiencies in specific micronutrients like copper (Cu), selenium (Se), vitamin E, cobalt (Co), and vitamin A are linked to reduced immune capabilities and increased susceptibility to infections.
  • The precise impact of micronutrient status on disease resistance, especially in stressed cattle, requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complex inter-relationships between essential micronutrients, immune function, and disease resistance in cattle.
  • To evaluate the effects of specific micronutrient deficiencies and supplementation on immune responses and susceptibility to various infections.
  • To highlight the current understanding and knowledge gaps regarding micronutrient impacts on cattle health.

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Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing findings from numerous studies on micronutrients, immune function, and disease resistance in cattle.
  • Analysis of research investigating the effects of deficiencies and supplementation of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), vitamin E, cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), and vitamin A.
  • Examination of studies using disease challenge models and assessment of immune parameters like neutrophil function, antibody production, and cell-mediated immunity.

Main Results:

  • Chromium (Cr) supplementation may enhance cell-mediated and humoral immune responses and improve resistance to respiratory infections in stressed cattle, though challenge models show variable effects.
  • Deficiencies in Cu, Se, vitamin E, and Co reduce neutrophil function and antibody production (Cu), while Co deficiency is linked to reduced resistance to parasitic infections.
  • Vitamin A deficiency increases susceptibility to infections; beta-carotene may offer benefits independent of its role as a vitamin A precursor.

Conclusions:

  • Micronutrient status significantly influences immune function and disease resistance in cattle, with deficiencies posing substantial health risks.
  • Specific micronutrients like Cr, Cu, Se, vitamin E, Co, and vitamin A play distinct roles in maintaining immune competence and preventing disease.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the intricate mechanisms and optimize micronutrient strategies for enhancing cattle health and resilience.