Micronutrients and immune function in cattle

Abstract

Complex inter-relationships exist between certain micronutrients, immune function and disease resistance in cattle. Several micronutrients have been shown to influence immune responses. The relationship between deficiencies of some micronutrients and disease resistance is less clear. A number of studies have indicated that Cr supplementation may improve cell-mediated and humoral immune response as well as resistance to respiratory infections in stressed cattle. With respiratory-disease challenge models Cr generally does not affect disease resistance. Deficiencies of Cu, Se, vitamin E and Co in cattle reduce the ability of isolated neutrophils to kill yeast and/or bacteria. Cu deficiency reduces antibody production, but cell-mediated immunity is generally not altered. However, Cu deficiency appears to reduce production of interferon and tumour necrosis factor by mononuclear cells. Numerous studies have linked low vitamin E and/or Se status to increased susceptibility of dairy cows to intramammary infections. In contrast to findings in laboratory animals, marginal Zn deficiency does not appear to impair antibody production or lymphocyte responsiveness to mitogen stimulation in ruminants. Co deficiency has been associated with reduced resistance to parasitic infections. It is well documented that vitamin A-deficient animals are more susceptible to various types of infections. β-Carotene, possibly via its antioxidant properties, may affect immune function and disease resistance independent of its role as a precursor of vitamin A.

Immunoglobulin G2 Deficiency with Transient Hypogammaglobulinemia and Chronic Respiratory Disease in a 6-Month-Old Holstein Heifer

“…There was also no evidence of BVD virus, or BIV infection, so it is unlikely that the heifer's immunodeficiency was viral in origin. Deficiencies in trace elements or abnormalities in their metabolism have been reported to reduce lymphocyte responses to mitogens, but hypoglobulinemias have not been associated with trace element deficiency, 24 so it is unlikely that these were the cause in the present case.…”

The effect of selenium sources and supplementation on neutrophil functions in dairy cows

“…Se as an antioxidant protects cells from oxidative damage from free radicals and peroxides by catalyzing reduction of peroxides that can damage cells and tissues (Spears, 2000). Higher respiratory burst activity of neutrophils could lead to higher intracellular kill of bacteria.…”

“…Selenium (Se), an essential micronutrient, serves several biological purposes as an integral component of a variety of enzymes or selenoproteins. It also regulates redox and immune functions, supports thyroid hormone metabolism and has anticarcinogenic properties (Spears, 2000;Ibeagha et al, 2007). For dairy cows, Se influences both the acquired and adaptive immune systems including antibody production, cell proliferation, cytokine production and neutrophil function (Larsen, 1993;Ndiweni and Finch, 1995).…”

<b>Efeitos da administração de um suplemento de microminerais injetável contendo cobre, manganês, selênio e zinco sobre a saúde uterina de vacas leiteiras</b>

“…A baixa absorção de cobre em ruminantes é devido a complexas interações que ocorrem no rúmen. Antes do completo desenvolvimento do rúmen a absorção de cobre é alta (70-85%), mas se reduz a até no máximo 10% após o desmame (SPEARS, 2000). A excreção do Cu é feita pelas fezes, bile, urina, leite e transpiração , e a disponibilidade em ruminantes é baixa, por sofrer interações com antagonistas formando agentes insolúveis pouco utilizados (SPEARS, 2000).…”

“…Antes do completo desenvolvimento do rúmen a absorção de cobre é alta (70-85%), mas se reduz a até no máximo 10% após o desmame (SPEARS, 2000). A excreção do Cu é feita pelas fezes, bile, urina, leite e transpiração , e a disponibilidade em ruminantes é baixa, por sofrer interações com antagonistas formando agentes insolúveis pouco utilizados (SPEARS, 2000). As vantagens fisiológicas da utilização do Cu quelatado podem estar ligadas à sua composição química que permite a rápida formação de compostos solúveis, quimicamente estáveis e que resistem a interação com antagonistas (SPEARS, 2003).…”