Effects of Feeding OmniGen-AF® on Phagocytic Ability of Neutrophils Isolated from Dairy Cattle, Rats and Mice

Abstract

In recent studies (Wang et al., 2007, 2009), we determined that feeding OmniGen-AF® (Prince Agri Products, Quincy, IL) to ruminant animals alters expression of markers of immunity. In a study with immunosuppressed sheep (Wang et al, 2007), feeding Omni Gen-AF® increased concentrations of neutrophil Lselectin and interleukin-1 beta. A subsequent study with dairy cattle (Wang et al, 2009) indicated that the product altered expression of a broad spectrum of neutrophil genes including interleukin-8 receptor and interleukin converting enzyme. While changes in gene expression are of interest academically, one might question whether this regulation results in a change in the physiology of neutrophils. As a result, the goal of this study was to assess effects offeeding OmniGen-AF® on the phagocytic ability of neutrophils. Ability of OmniGen-to elicit these changes was examined in three species (bovine, rat, mouse) against three bovine pathogens (Streptococcus uberis, E.coli, and Arcanobacterium pyogenes).