Blood immune transcriptome analysis of artificially fed dairy calves and naturally suckled beef calves from birth to 7 days of age

Abstract

Neonatal calves possess a very immature and naïve immune system and are reliant on the intake of maternal colostrum for passive transfer of immunoglobulins. Variation in colostrum management of beef and dairy calves is thought to affect early immune development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine changes in gene expression and investigate molecular pathways involved in the immune-competence development of neonatal Holstein dairy calves and naturally suckled beef calves using next generation RNA-sequencing during the first week of life. Jugular whole blood samples were collected from Holstein (H) dairy calves (n = 8) artificially fed 5% B.W. colostrum, and from beef calves which were the progenies of Charolais-Limousin (CL; n = 7) and Limousin-Friesian beef suckler cows (LF; n = 7), for subsequent RNA isolation. In dairy calves, there was a surge in pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression possibly due to the stress of separation from the dam. LF calves exhibited early signs of humoral immune development with observed increases in the expression genes coding for Ig receptors, which was not evident in the other breeds by 7 days of age. Immune and health related DEGs identified as upregulated in beef calves are prospective contender genes for the classification of biomarkers for immune-competence development, and will contribute towards a greater understanding of the development of an immune response in neonatal calves.

Experimental challenge with bovine respiratory syncytial virus in dairy calves: bronchial lymph node transcriptome response

“…Previous studies have examined the bronchial lymph node pathological response to a BRSV challenge in Angus-Hereford crossbred beef calves 18,19,21 . However, immune responses, particularly at the level of transcription, have been demonstrated to be affected by breed 29–31 . This may be the reason that the majority of the variation observed in the MDS plot (Fig.…”

Pre-Partum Supplementation with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Colostrum Characteristics and Lamb Immunity and Behavior after a Mild Post-Weaning Aversive Handling Period

“…The early intestinal modulation of brain activity depends on, among others, intestine nutrient availability. In consequence, pre-natal development conditions, colostrum composition and feeding management would not only play a key role on lambs’ immunity but also on how they cope with different stressors [ 18 ]. Given the interactions between the intestine, immune system functionality and stress response [ 19 , 20 , 21 ], it may be hypothesized that modifications in the colostrum fatty acid profile, achieved through late pregnancy supplementation to the mothers, will also benefit lambs’ stress-coping abilities and welfare.…”

Field trial of primary and booster dose of inactivated vaccine against bovine respiratory bacteria in young Holstein calves

“…We also found that the majority of M. haemolyticapositive calves in the first experiment were vaccinated at seven days of age or older. Surlis et al reported that in young Holstein calves, chemokine expression is upregulated at the age of seven days compared to its expression level at two or three days Top upstream regulators of chemokine production include granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) which encodes granulocyte stimulating factor, a cytokine that stimulates the differentiation of haematopoietic precursor cells such as granulocytes and macrophages (19). Additionally, Kennedy et al showed that serum GM-CSF in humans at three days after receiving an inactivated influenza vaccine showed correlation with 28-day post vaccination HAI and VNA titres which have been conventionally used to indicate immunologic response to vaccination in humans (13).…”