Interactions of Nutrition, Infection, and Immune Response in Animals

Abstract

Practical problems in nutrition and infection are often presented by diseases in food animals. An interesting report (Crane, 1965) relates how serious dietary deficiencies predisposed a large number of beef cattle herds in California to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and calf diarrhea. After seven years of searching, analysis of soil, feedstuffs, and animal tissues revealed deficiencies of vitamin A, phosphorus, protein, and energy. Correction of these deficiencies with food supplements and institution of appropriate immunization programs resulted in raising the weaned calf crop from 73 to 94%.