Author:
Colditz I. G.,Hennessy D. W.
Abstract
A range of haematological and immunological variables was measured in calves
to assess relationships between these factors and effects of maternal and
pre-weaning supplementation on meat quality. The ability of immunological and
haematological measurements to predict both weight loss during transport and
meat quality was also examined. Calves from supplemented cows had higher
counts of lymphocytes bearing the γδ T cell receptor [workshop
cluster (WC)1+ lymphocytes]. When cultured
in vitro, lymphocytes from calves supplemented directly
produced higher levels of the cytokine interferon (IFN)γ. These changes
may reflect a greater resilience to the effects of stress associated with
routine handling for weighing and blood sampling, or earlier maturation of the
immune system in supplemented calves. Two calves from unsupplemented
treatments died of calf diphtheria before weaning. During feedlot finishing,
the prevalence of disease was low and did not differ between groups. The
prevalence of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+ lymphocytes in blood was
correlated with growth rates from weaning to slaughter and during feedlot
finishing. Lymphocyte counts and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in
blood collected either before or after transport was correlated with weight
change during transport. These variables were not correlated with meat
quality, however the numbers of lymphocytes after transport in the subset
bearing the CD8 marker was correlated with the meat quality traits,
tenderness, juiciness, flavour, overall likability, meat quality (MQ) 4 score
and Meat Standards Australia (MSA) grade ratings. The results demonstrate that
lymphocyte subpopulations are associated with growth rate, weight loss during
transport, and meat quality. Their utility in predicting performance, stress
tolerance, and meat quality therefore, warrants further investigation.
Subject
General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Cited by
5 articles.
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