Differential gene expression in peripheral leukocytes of pre-weaned dairy calves with respiratory disease

Abstract

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a leading cause of calf morbidity and mortality in both beef and dairy sectors of the United States cattle industry resulting in financial losses and compromised welfare. Differential gene expression (DGE) al­lows detailed insight into individual immune responses and can identify enriched pathways and biomarkers that contrib­ute to disease susceptibility and outcome. Differential expres­sion of genes related to innate immune function has been well documented in both feedlot and post-weaned dairy cattle with experimentally induced or naturally occurring BRD. However, little is known regarding DGE in pre-weaned Holstein calves. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate gene expres­sion in peripheral leukocytes relative to BRD diagnosis, dis­ease progression and age progression in Holstein heifer calves throughout the preweaning period.