Recent Insights Into Ruminant Immune Function: Effects of Stress and Immunostimulatory Nutritional Products

Ruminant livestock are continuously exposed to dangerous pathogens in their environment and, like other animals, rely upon a well-developed immune system to minimize likelihood of an infection. The immune system can be divided into two distinct (yet interacting) systems: 1) the innate immune system and 2) the adaptive or antibodymediated immune system. Generally, we may view the innate system as the first line of defense against pathogens because several days are required to mount an antibodyresponse, especially to a new pathogen.