Concepts

Acquired Immunity

Immunity acquired in two ways: active and passive.

Active Immunity

Immunity that involves the body producing its own antibodies.

Passive Immunity

Immunity involving the transfer of preformed antibodies.

Innate Immune Response

The non-specific defense system an animal is born with.

Adaptive Immune Response

The specific immune response developed over time through exposure to antigens.

Phagocytic Cells

Cells that engulf and destroy foreign material.

Complement Proteins

Proteins that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens.

Lymphocytes

Key immune cells involved in the adaptive immune response.

B Lymphocytes (B Cells)

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies when activated.

T Lymphocytes (T Cells)

Lymphocytes that require activation and distinguish self from non-self.

Macrophages

Phagocytic cells that perform non-specific phagocytosis and present antigens.

Dendritic Cells

Monocytes that recognize bacteria and present antigens to T and B cells.

Antibodies (Immunoglobulins)

Proteins that bind to specific antigens to help neutralize pathogens.

Opsonization

The process by which antibodies tag pathogens for destruction by phagocytic cells.

Colostrum

First milk produced after birth, rich in antibodies and nutrients.

Diapedesis

The movement of white blood cells from blood vessels into tissues.

Chemotaxis

The movement of white blood cells towards chemical signals released by cells.

Mastitis

Inflammation of the mammary gland, often due to bacterial infection.

Somatic Cell Count (SCC)

Indicator of mastitis, measuring the number of somatic cells in milk.

California Mastitis Test (CMT)

A cow-side test used to estimate somatic cell count in milk.

Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs)

Molecules found on pathogens recognized by the innate immune system.

Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs)

Receptors on immune cells that recognize PAMPs.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

A specific PAMP found on the cell membranes of gram-negative bacteria.

Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4)

A PRR that recognizes LPS, triggering immune responses.

Electrical Conductivity

Measured in milk to detect changes indicating mastitis.

Polymorphonuclear Cells (PMNs)

A group of white blood cells that includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils

Phagocytic cells that are usually the first to arrive at an infection site.

Eosinophils

White blood cells associated with allergic responses and intestinal parasites.

Basophils

White blood cells involved in allergic responses and histamine release.

Monocytes

A type of white blood cell that can differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells.

Lactocytes

Epithelial cells lining the alveoli where milk is produced.

Chronic Mastitis

A persistent form of mastitis that may have subclinical periods.

Clinical Mastitis

A visible form of mastitis with observable changes in milk and udder.

Subclinical Mastitis

Mastitis without visible signs, detected by increased somatic cell count.

Corynebacterium Bovis

A bacterial pathogen that can cause mastitis.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

A bacterial pathogen that can cause mastitis.

Klebsiella

A gram-negative bacterium that can cause environmental mastitis.

Streptococcus Agalactiae

A contagious bacterial pathogen that causes mastitis.

Environmental Mastitis

Mastitis caused by pathogens from the environment.

Contagious Mastitis

Mastitis spread from cow to cow, often during milking.

Risk Factors for Mastitis

Include milking practices, environmental sanitation, and cow health.

Somatic Cells

Cells found in milk, primarily white blood cells, indicating infection.

Diapedesis

The movement of white blood cells from capillaries into tissues.

IgM

An immunoglobulin involved in the initial immune response.

IgG

Immunoglobulin crucial for systemic immune response.

IgA

Immunoglobulin important for local mucosal immunity.

Phagocytosis

The process of engulfing and digesting foreign particles by cells.

Tight Junctions

Structures that regulate passage between epithelial cells.

Vasodilation

The expansion of blood vessels to increase blood flow to an area.

Epithelial Cells

Cells that line the surfaces and cavities in the body.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Increased permeability of the intestinal lining leading to potential infections.

Farrowing

The process of a sow giving birth.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with hormonal functions.

Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production in mammals.

Agalactia

Failure to secrete milk after birth or significant reduction.

Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome (PDS)

Lactation disorder in sows characterized by insufficient milk production.

Hoof and Mouth Disease

A viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, causing lesions and lameness.

Bulk Tank Testing

Testing of milk collected from a herd for quality control.

Milk Composition Changes in Mastitis

Includes decrease in lactose and protein and increase in sodium and immunoglobulins.

Vaccination for Mastitis

Available for some pathogens like Coliforms and Staph aureus.

Antibiotic Infusion

Method of treating mastitis by injecting antibiotics directly into the mammary gland.

Agnosia Syndrome

A condition where an animal fails to recognize its offspring.

Lymph Nodes

Organs that filter lymph and house immune cells.

Epithelial Barriers

Physical barriers that protect against pathogen entry.

Immunoglobulin Isotypes

Different antibodies with specific functions, including IgM, IgA, IgG.

Acute Mastitis

A sudden onset form of mastitis often with severe symptoms.

Subacute Mastitis

Mastitis with mild symptoms and intermittent flare-ups.

Nocardia Species

Bacterial pathogens that can cause mastitis.

Blastocyst

An early stage of embryonic development.

Fat Globules

Spherical structures of fat found in milk.

Culture and Sensitivity

Lab tests to identify infections and appropriate antibiotics.

Prevalence

Percentage of animals infected at any point in time.

Incidence

Rate of new infections occurring in a population.

Germe de la Mastite

Pathogen responsible for mastitis infection.

Macrosomic Piglets

Larger-than-average piglets at birth, often an indicator of good nutrition.

Thrombocytes

Platelets involved in blood clotting.

Immune Cell Function

Refers to how various immune cells act against pathogens.

Ruminant Digestive System

Complex stomach system in animals that digest fibrous plant material.

Nutritional Strategies for Sows

Management practices to ensure optimal nutrition for milk production.

Metritis

Infection of the uterus, often following childbirth.

ESBL-Infections

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Respiratory Infections in Sows

Common health issue impacting lactation and piglet survival.

Antioxidants in Dairy Nutrition

Substances that protect cells from oxidative damage.