EFFECT OF DIETARY RESTRICTION ON CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNE-RESPONSES IN CATTLE INFECTED WITH MYCOBACTERIUM-BOVIS

Nine M. bovis-infected cattle on a diet deficent in both protein and e nergy for 133 days lost approximately 17% of their original body weigh t. However, dietary restriction did not result in any significant redu ction in skin sensitivity to PPD, in vitro production of IFN-gamma or lymphocyte blastogenesis. The numbers of circulating BoCD4(+) cells an d B cells were similar in both the malnourished and the control cattle . However, significantly lower numbers (P < 0.01) of circulating BoCD2 (+) cells, BoCD8(+) cells, WC1(+) gamma delta T cells and ACT2(+) cell s were found in the malnourished cattle. With the exception of inorgan ic phosphate, the changes in plasma biochemical parameters, were unrem arkable.