Issue |
Vet. Res.
Volume 35, Number 5, September-October 2004
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Page(s) | 539 - 550 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/vetres:2004030 | |
How to cite this article | Vet. Res. (2004) 539-550 |
DOI: 10.1051/vetres:2004030
The evaluation of non-specific immune status of heifers in field conditions during the periparturient period
Renata Piccinini, Enrica Binda, Michela Belotti, Giuseppe Casirani and Alfonso ZecconiUniversità degli Studi di Milano, Dip. Patologia Animale, Igiene e Sanità, Pubblica veterinaria, Sezione di Malattie Infettive, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milano, Italy
(Received 20 October 2003; accepted 18 March 2004)
Abstract - During the periparturient period, some impairment of immune defences were observed. Reference values for the different non-specific
immune parameters in cows are not generally available, thus limiting the application of these parameters in dairy practice.
This paper reports the data on the measurements of different parameters in the blood, and explores the possible influence
of the herd on the non-specific immune status of the cow. Five herds located in Northern Italy were selected and overall 39
heifers were enrolled in the trial. Blood samples were taken 14 and 7 days before the expected date of calving, then at 7,
14, 21, 28, 45, 60, and 75 days after calving. The parameters assessed were N-acetyl-
-glucosaminidase (NAGase), lysozyme, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, haptoglobin, respiratory burst, and serum protein
profile. After calving, a significant decrease of respiratory burst and nitric oxide concentration were observed in comparison
with the pre-calving values but not with the post-calving samplings. Total proteins,
- and
-globulins showed a progressive and significant increase in concentration after calving, in comparison with pre-calving values.
The results of the study confirmed that a decrease of immune functions can be observed in commercial dairy herds in the first
four weeks after calving. The amplitude of this phenomenon is not common to all animals and all herds, suggesting the possibility
to reduce the impairment by improved management and genetic selection.
Key words: heifers / periparturient period / blood / non-specific immunity
Corresponding author: Alfonso Zecconi alfonso.zecconi@unimi.it
© INRA, EDP Sciences 2004