North
Dakota State University Department of Animal and Range Sciences
Dairy Research
North
Dakota State University
Department
of Animal and Range Sciences
Dairy
Research
Current Projects
2. Calf Immunity Research (Preliminary)
Our recent efforts focus on developing a nutritional strategy that enhances the immune function of neonatal calves. We believe that dietary supplementation of nucleotides alters nucleic acid metabolism in the small intestine, which in turn affects gene expression of enzymes and increases mucosal integrity, leading to an improved immune response in the newborn calf.
2.1 Modulation of Calf Immune Function by Addition of Nucleotides to Milk Replacer
Our objective was to determine if nucleotide supplementation of milk replacer affects the health, immune status, and performance of Holstein calves. Twenty four-day-old Holstein bull calves were assigned randomly to one of two treatments: milk replacer without nucleotides and milk replacer with nucleotides. The nucleotide augmented treatment contained 8% "NuPro," a yeast derived product from Alltech, Inc. Both milk replacer treatments were balanced for calories and amino acids and were fed as a percentage of the weekly weight of the calf. Milk was fed two quarts twice daily in an open pail. Water was offered continuously, but no hay or calf starter was offered until after five weeks at which time all calves were placed on a standard milk replacer (no nucleotides) and were offered a calf starter. They were weaned two weeks later.
Rectal temperature, fecal scores, and presence or absence of nasal and ocular discharge and cough were recorded twice daily. Weight, height, length, and heart girth were recorded weekly. Weekly blood samples were collected by jugular venipunture and will be analyzed for total white blood cells, immunoglobulin G, and several blood metabolites, i.e. glucose, cortisol, beta-hydroxybuterate, non-esterified fatty acids, etc.
Laboratory and statistical analysis of data are in progress.