U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government
                    Here's how you know **Official websites use .gov**
                            
                            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                            
                            A **lock** (                            
                              A locked padlock                                                      
                            
                            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Menu Agricultural Research Service
						
                    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 Livestock Issues Research: Lubbock, TX
 close



    Research

                    Research Projects
                                    Publications
                                    Collaborations
                                    News
                People

                    Staff Listing
                                    Careers


        


                    NewsletterSearch small
                    Search
            
            ARS Home
                                About ARS
                                Contact Us




ARS Home Plains Area Lubbock, Texas Cropping Systems Research Laboratory Livestock Issues Research Research Publications at this Location





- ARS National Programs
- Search for a scientific manuscript
- Search for a research project
- ARS Software
- Programs and Projects
- Collaborations
- Subjects of Investigation
- Publications

Title:   Author  item
                                            Carroll, Jeffery

                                                         - *Jeff Carroll*item
                                            ARTHINGTON, JOHN - UNIV OF FLORIDA - ONAitem
                                            Chase, Chadwick

                                                         - *Chad*
  Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science Supplement
                                    Publication Type: Abstract Only
                                    Publication Acceptance Date: 7/11/2008
                                    Publication  Date: 7/23/2008
                                    Citation: Carroll, J.A., Arthington, J., Chase, C.C. 2008. Early weaning alters the acute phase immune response to an endotoxin challenge in beef cattle [abstract]. Journal of Amimal Science. 86(E. Suppl. 2):526. (Abstract #575)Interpretive Summary:
                                Technical Abstract: Previous research indicates that early weaning prior to shipment can reduce transportation-induced increases in acute phase proteins (APP), and can increase subsequent performance in the feedlot. These data suggest that the combination of weaning and transport stress may compromise the immune system of calves, thus hindering subsequent performance and health. Therefore, our objective was to determine if the innate immune response of early weaned calves (EW; 80 d of age) differed from normal weaned calves (NW; 250 d of age) in response to an endotoxin challenge. Eighteen Brahman x Angus calves (8 and 10 EW and NW, respectively; 233 ± 5 kg BW) were used. Prior to the study, calves were maintained on pasture with supplement. All calves were acclimated to their study pens for 1 wk prior to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. One d prior to LPS challenge, calves were fitted with an indwelling jugular catheter. Blood samples were collected at 30-minute intervals from -2 to 8 hours. At 0 hour, all calves received an i.v. infusion of LPS (1.0 micrograms/kg body weight). Serum samples were stored at -80 degrees Celsius until analyzed for cortisol (CS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1), IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN), ceruloplasmin (Cp) and haptoglobin (Hp). While LPS increased serum CS (P less than or equal to 0.001) no weaning age effect (P greater than or equal to 0.15) was observed.  A weaning age x time interaction (P less than or equal to 0.04) was observed for TNF, IL-1, IL-6, and Cp such that concentrations of these indices were greater in the NW compared to EW calves. For Hp, a weaning age effect (P less than or equal to 0.03) was observed with NW calves having greater average Hp concentrations compared to EW calves. Interestingly, the weaning age x time interaction (P less than or equal to 0.001) for IFN revealed greater IFN in EW opposed to NW calves. Based upon these data, the innate immune system of EW calves appears to be less naïve than that of NW calves. Additionally, the differential IFN response indicates that the immune system of EW calves may be more effective at recognizing and eliminating endotoxin. These data suggest that an altered innate immune system may be one of the factors responsible for the improved feedlot performance previously reported in EW calves.


Return to top


Connect with ARS Sign up


ARS Home
                            USDA.gov
                            Plain Writing
                            Policies & Links
                            Civil Rights Statements
                            FOIA
                            Accessibility Statement
                            Privacy Policy
                            Non-Discrimination Statement
                            Quality of Information
                            USA.gov
                            WhiteHouse.gov