Recent developments in trace element metabolism and function: trace elements, disease resistance and immune...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Immunology
• Ruminant Nutrition
• Trace Element Metabolism

Background:

• Trace elements are crucial for immune function and disease resistance in ruminants.
• Deficiencies in copper, selenium, and cobalt are common and linked to health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence linking trace element deficiencies to disease susceptibility in ruminants.
• To emphasize the impact of copper, selenium, and cobalt deficiencies on infection resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on trace element deficiencies and disease resistance in sheep and cattle.
• Analysis of experimental and observational data on specific deficiencies (copper, selenium, cobalt) and their effects on infections and immune responses.

Main Results:

• Copper deficiency, especially with high molybdenum, increases susceptibility to microbial infections in lambs.
• Molybdenum may enhance parasite rejection, while selenium deficiency is linked to decreased disease resistance (e.g., metritis) and improved antibody responses.
• Cobalt deficiency reduces lamb survival and increases parasitic infection susceptibility in sheep and cattle.

Conclusions:

• Trace element deficiencies significantly impair ruminant disease resistance, affecting susceptibility to various infections.
• While in vitro immune cell responses are often impaired, their direct relevance to in vivo disease resistance requires further proof.
• Disease resistance may be prioritized by the host, potentially leaving other physiological processes vulnerable when micronutrients are scarce.