Effect of dietary restriction on cell-mediated immune responses in cattle infected with Mycobacterium bovis

Nine M. bovis-infected cattle on a diet deficent in both protein and energy for 133 days lost approximately 17% of their original body weight. However, dietary restriction did not result in any significant reduction in skin sensitivity to PPD, in vitro production of IFN-gamma or lymphocyte blastogenesis. The numbers of circulating BoCD4(+) cells and B cells were similar in both the malnourished and the control cattle. However, significantly lower numbers (P < 0.01) of circulating BoCD2(+) cells, BoCD8(+) cells, WC1(+) gamma delta T cells and ACT2(+) cells were found in the malnourished cattle. With the exception of inorganic phosphate, the changes in plasma biochemical parameters, were unremarkable.