The Effect of Fermentation Product Supplementation on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Holstein Friesian Cattle Experimentally Inoculated with Digital Dermatitis.

Digital dermatitis (DD) poses a major animal welfare concern for the dairy industry, with even broader economic implications for the agricultural industry worldwide. The postbiotic, a fermentation product (SCFP), has had a positive influence on the innate immune system of cattle, which makes it a potential candidate as a feed supplement as part of a prevention strategy for DD. This study investigated the effect of a commercial SCFP feed supplement compared to a control feed supplement on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in Holstein Friesian steers experimentally infected with DD.