The effect of transportation on the immune status of Bos indicus steers.
This study investigated the effect of 72 h of road transport on the immune status of Bos indicus steers (n = 10; age = 15 to 18 mo). Total and differential leukocyte numbers and lymphocyte function were determined at 2 d before transport (-48 h), immediately after 72 h of transport (72 h), and 6 d after transport (216 h). Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, interferon-gamma production, and tetanus-toxoid specific antibody levels were determined. Total leukocyte and eosinophil numbers showed a transient decrease at 72 h (immediately after transport; P < 0.05) and returned to baseline values by 6 d after transport. Lymphocyte numbers and antibody titers were unaffected by transportation. The PHA-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation decreased (P < 0.05) at 72 h and returned to baseline levels 6 d after transport. This study demonstrated that transportation of mature Bos indicus steers caused transient decreases in leukocyte numbers and lymphocyte function, although all measures recovered by 6 d after transport. Therefore, Bos indicus cattle may be vulnerable to infection during this period.
Stanger
K J
KJ
School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia.
Ketheesan
N
N
Parker
A J
AJ
Coleman
C J
CJ
Lazzaroni
S M
SM
Fitzpatrick
L A
LA
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D014186:Transportation
D000906:Antibodies; D007371:Interferon-gamma