Dr Megan Abeyta recently completed her PhD under the supervision of Lance Baumgard focused on the impact of inflammation. To set the scene, Dr. Abeyta outlines the importance of the GIT in every animal. With 70% of the immune system located in the GIT, any damage to the protection barrier throughout the track can lead to not only inflammation but also an energy demand to deal with this stress. Her presentation highlights not only the physical changes in the GIT cell walls but also psychological stress and the cost this can have on production (milk, meat, fibre etc). Aspects of heat stress, feed restrictions, transition, and acidosis can all cause inflammation and fundamentally acts as an energy demand that adds to the glucose demand on an animal which is no longer meeting their intake requirements.
NZARN members a copy of the presentation is available below if you are logged in.
Non-members looking for more information are encouraged to use our ‘contact a nutritionist’ form and ‘member directory’ to find a member who can help them answer their questions.
If you are a Rural Professional interested in joining the NZARN please see our ‘membership’ section.
