Stress and immunity in cattle
May, I.; Mănoiu, I.; Donta, C.; Tetu, M.; Vior, C.; Moldovan, S.
Archiv für Experimentelle Veterinarmedizin 33(1): 87-98
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9055 PMID: 222226 Document Number: 147928
The object of this study was twofold - to determine a methodology for inducing stress in cattle and to examine the relationship between stress and immunogenesis. Cattle aged 6-12 months were used in the first part of the experiment and calves aged 3-6 months in the second. Supercortisol (hydrocortisone) in doses of 0.5-1.0 mg/kg caused changes in the white blood picture of all animals. Repeated doses at 48-hour intervals induced lasting stress, as demonstrated by a reduction in eosinophils and an increase in neutrophils. Hormonal or thermal stress had a negative influence on post-vaccinal immunity to Salmonella dublin as demonstrated by blood serum O agglutination titres. The degree of immunosuppression depended on the time of application of stress, its duration, and the age of the calf.