Short Communication: Bovine parainfluenza-3 antibodies in veal calves supplemented with cinnamaldehyde or lactoferrin

ABSTRACT Objective Our objective was to investigate the effects of 2 immune modulatory compounds, cinnamaldehyde and lactoferrin, on potentiating the immune response to bovine parainfluenza-3 virus (bPI3) vaccination. Materials On arrival to the growing facility, veal calves were randomized to 1 of 3 treatments: control (no supplement), lactoferrin (1 g/d in milk replacer for 7 d), or cinnamaldehyde (1 g/d in milk replacer for 21 d). Plasma anti-bPI3 IgG response was assayed by indirect ELISA before (d 0) and 28 d after vaccination. Antibody titers were represented as sample-to-positive ratio, and a mixed linear regression analysis was used to compare titers between treatments, cohorts, and d 0 versus d 28. Results and Discussion Stress and crowding during transit leaves veal calves susceptible to respiratory viral pathogens. Bovine parainfluenza-3 virus is a principle etiological agent of bovine respiratory disease complex. Prophylactic antibiotic administration is a common practice to prevent diseases; however, this can lead to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, research on antimicrobial alternatives is warranted. Antibody titers against bPI3 were different between d 0 and 28 (P Implications and Applications Antibodies detected are suspected to be of maternal origin. Further research is necessary to determine an optimal vaccination schedule to overcome maternal immunity and to estimate mucosal IgA antibodies. In addition, an appropriate dose, duration, and route of administration of cinnamaldehyde and lactoferrin must be considered.