Effect of OmniGen-AF on Immune Markers and Neutrophil Function in Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract

The immune system of the lactating dairy cow is significantly compromised at the time of calving and for several weeks thereafter. Animals in early lactation are frequently exposed to additional stress factors that result in immunosuppression, such as metabolic disease, metritis, environmental conditions, cow comfort, overcrowding, etc. Good transition cow management involves minimizing stress factors in order to improve immunity. In previous studies, the feeding of a proprietary ingredient blend, OmniGen AF (Prince-Agri Products) has been observed to increase the expression of markers of innate immunity and neutrophil function. This study was conducted in order to determine if OmniGen AF could augment the production of the immune markers L-Selectin (CD62L) and Interleukin 8 Receptor (IL8R), as well as improve neutrophil function by enhancing the in vitro phagocytosis of Streptococcus uberis.