Effect of Vitamin C on the Immune System in Cattle Immunized With Blackleg Vaccine

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of vitamin C on the immune system in cattle immunized against blackleg. The study employed 28 cattle of different breeds and genders, aged 15-20 months, bred in the Ardahan region. The cattle were broken down into four groups, seven in each group. The first group (control group) 2 ml saline, the second group (vitamin group) 5 mg/kg vitamin c, the third group (vaccination group) 2 ml blackleg vaccine, and the fourth group (vaccine-vitamin group) 2 ml Blackleg vaccine and 5 mg/kg vitamin c was administered subcutaneously. Blood samples were collected from all animals in the groups just prior to vaccination and vitamin administration (day zero) and on the 14th and 28th days following administration. The number of formula leukocytes and the amount of serum IgG was measured in the blood samples. Serum IgG was found to increase substantially (p