Increased Dietary Energy in Limit-fed Diets Does Not Affect Immune Function, Inflammation, or Stress, but Health Status Does

Authors

T. J. Spore, Kansas State UniversityFollow
S. P. Montgomery, Corn Belt Livestock Services, Papillion, NE
E. C. Titgemeyer, Kansas State University, ManhattanFollow
G. A. Hanzlicek, Kansas State University, ManhattanFollow
Christopher Vahl, Kansas State UniversityFollow
T. G. Nagaraja, Kansas State University, ManhattanFollow
W. R. Hollenbeck, Kansas State University, ManhattanFollow
R. N. Wahl, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KSFollow
Dale Blasi, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

Stocker cattle, limit-feeding, health

Abstract

Objectives:Measure effects of limit-feeding high-energy diets on the immune system, stress, and inflammation as well as differences in these parameters between healthy and sick animals under the dietary conditions.

Study Description:Heifers from 4 dietary treatments were used to study the effects of limit-feeding and increased dietary energy on immune function, inflammation (indicated by elevated levels of haptoglobin), stress, and differences in these parameters between healthy and morbid animals consuming the different diets.

The Bottom Line:Limit-feeding high-energy diets does not negatively affect immune function, cause stress, or promote inflammation, and morbid animals have significantly higher haptoglobin levels.

Recommended Citation

Spore, T. J.; Montgomery, S. P.; Titgemeyer, E. C.; Hanzlicek, G. A.; Vahl, Christopher; Nagaraja, T. G.; Hollenbeck, W. R.; Wahl, R. N.; and Blasi, Dale (2018) "Increased Dietary Energy in Limit-fed Diets Does Not Affect Immune Function, Inflammation, or Stress, but Health Status Does," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 4: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.7544