FACTORS AFFECTING IMMUNE FUNCTION AND THE RESULTING IMPACT ON RESISTANCE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN DAIRY CATTLE

摘要

The dairy industry is the second largest animal agriculture commodity produced in the United States and is equal to corn in economic impact. Therefore, issues that affect the health of the dairy cow are of great importance to the economy of the country. The dairy cow is most vulnerable to illness during transition because it is during this period of time that the cow's immune system is functionally suppressed. Immunosuppression contributes to higher incidence of infectious and metabolic diseases. The economic impact of mastitis alone on the dairy industry is estimated to be 2 billion dollars per year.