Effect of encapsulated grape dry extract supplementation on the immunity of young ruminants during a vaccination period.

Vaccination is an important mainstay of biosecurity and disease prevention in breeding. Vaccination failures represent an economic burden for the farmer. Polyphenol supplementation, known for its antioxidant properties, would help reduce oxidative damage and improve the success of vaccination [1]. We evaluated the effect of an encapsulated dry grape extract supplementation around vaccination on the immune response in young ruminants.

22 young female cattle (aged 6 to 8 months), born in the same dairy farm, were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group (BP-O, n=11) was supplemented with an encapsulated grape dry extract (Nor-Grape® BP-O, Nor-Feed, France), whilst a control group (CTL, n=11) was not. All animals were vaccinated (D14) with an inactivated vaccine against PI-3V and BRSV. A booster was given 3 weeks later (D35). Supplementation began 15 days before vaccination (D0) and ended 15 days after the last injection (D49).

Antibody titers were measured by virus neutralization test. Total antioxidant capacity was measured by the TEAC method. These measurements were performed on D0, D35 and D56.

Results show that BP-O group had a greater overall antibody response to BRSV and PI3 (P<0.05 at D35), and a greater total antioxidant capacity (P<0.05 at D56) compared with the CTL group.

*P<0.05; ‡ 0.05≤P≤0.10

Comparison of PI3 neutralizing antibody titers between groups after vaccination.

Hence, this supplementation strategy could be of interest to enhance the immune response during a vaccination episode by reducing oxidative stress. Supplemented animals became seropositive more quickly and long-term immunity appears to be improved.

• References

• 1 Chew B.P. Importance of antioxidant vitamins in immunity and health in animals. Animal Feed Science and Technology 1996; 59: 103-114

Publication History

Article published online:
13 December 2021