Does Heat Stress Affect Immune Function in Dairy Cows?

Abstract

Clinical bottom lineHeat stress appears to generally suppress innate immune function in both dry and lactating dairy cows. Immune effects that are decreased include cytokine production, proliferation of immune cells, migration of lymphocytes to the udder and cell viability. This may lead to an increase in the risk of clinical diseases such as mastitis and metritis.

Keywords

• heat stress
• immunity
• dairy
• cattle