Studying Stress in Calves After Weaning
Author Information
Author(s): O'Loughlin Aran, McGee Mark, Waters Sinéad M, Doyle Sean, Earley Bernadette
Primary Institution: Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
Hypothesis
Calves that were weaned and penned away from their dams would be more stressed than calves that were weaned and penned adjacent to their dams.
Conclusion
Weaning stress leads to an enhanced immune response in calves, characterized by increased neutrophil numbers and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.
Supporting Evidence
- Total neutrophil number and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio increased significantly after weaning stress.
- Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes was up-regulated following weaning.
- Calves penned away from their dam had higher neutrophil counts compared to those penned beside their dam.
- Female calves showed higher expression levels of certain cytokines than male calves.
Takeaway
When calves are separated from their mothers, they get stressed, but this stress can actually help their immune system work better for a little while.
Methodology
The study involved blood sampling and analysis of immune responses in calves before and after weaning, focusing on leukocyte populations and cytokine gene expression.
Limitations
The study did not explore the long-term effects of weaning stress beyond 11 days.
Participant Demographics
Twenty-eight clinically healthy, three-quarter bred Simmental beef calves were used, including both male and female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website