Characterization of an in vitro model to study CD4 T cell metabolism in dairy cows.

Dairy cows are susceptible to several health disorders throughout their lactation. Objectives were to characterize an in vitro model to study bioenergetic measures in CD4 T lymphocytes in dairy cows. Twenty-four healthy mid-lactation multiparous Holstein dairy cows were enrolled at a mean (±SD) of 234 ± 22 DIM.

Effects of weaning and inactivated Lactobacillus helveticus supplementation on dairy calf behavioral and physiological indicators of affective state.

The objectives of this study were to determine if weaning would induce behavioral and physiological indicators of a negative affective state, and if supplementation of inactivated Lactobacillus helveticus (ILH) to dairy calves would reduce those indicators of negative affect during weaning. Male Holstein calves (n = 23) were enrolled in the study on d 1 of life. The calves were housed in individual pens in 1 of 4 rooms for the 42-d study.

Immune cells phenotype and bioenergetic measures in CD4 T cells differ between high and low feed efficient dairy cows.

Identifying sources of variance that contribute to residual feed intake (RFI) can aid in improving feed efficiency. The objectives of this study were to investigate immune cells phenotype and bioenergetic measures in CD4 T cells in low feed efficient (LE) and high feed efficient (HE) dairy cows. Sixty-four Holstein cows were enrolled at 93 ± 22 days in milk (DIM) and monitored for 7 weeks to measure RFI.

Bacteria colonization and gene expression related to immune function in colon mucosa is associated with growth in neonatal calves regardless of live yeast supplementation.

Background: As Holstein calves are susceptible to gastrointestinal disorders during the first week of life, understanding how intestinal immune function develops in neonatal calves is important to promote better intestinal health. Feeding probiotics in early life may contribute to host intestinal health by facilitating beneficial bacteria colonization and developing intestinal immune function. The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of early life yeast supplementation and growth on colon mucosa-attached bacteria and host immune function.