The effect of cobalt supplementation on the immune response in vitamin B12 deficient Texel lambs

The effect of cobalt supplementation on the immune reactivity in vitamin B12 deficient lambs was measured by comparing the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses against bovine herpes virus type 1 and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. In addition, faecal egg counts were performed after natural infection with gastrointestinal nematodes. periments were performed with registered Texel twin lambs of the same sex. One lamb of each twin received three cobalt pellets divided over the grazing period. The non-supplemented lambs had lower serum vitamin B12 levels than their supplemented brother or sister. sults demonstrate significantly lower lymphoblastic responses against Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in non-supplemented lambs compared with supplemented lambs 4 weeks after paratuberculosis vaccination. n B12 deficient lambs in this study had significant higher faecal egg counts than their supplemented brother or sister after natural infection with gastrointestinal nematodes. ferences were found in total and differential white blood cell counts, in total protein, albumin, alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulin and in antibody production against bovine herpes virus type 1 and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis.