NUTRITION AND HEALTH: COMPANION ANIMAL APPLICATIONS: Functional nutrition in livestock and companion animals to modulate the immune response

Abstract

Advances in the understanding of how the immune system functions in response to diet have altered the way we think about feeding livestock and companion animals on both the short (weeks/months) and long-term (years) timelines; however, depth of research in each of these species varies. Work dedicated to understanding how immune function can be altered with diet has revealed additional functions of required nutrients such as vitamins D and E, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and minerals such as zinc, while feed additives such as phytogenics and probiotics add an additional layer of immunomodulating potential to modern diets. For certain nutrients such as vitamin D or omega-3 PUFA, inclusion above currently recommended levels may optimize immune function and reduce inflammation, while for others such as zinc, additional pharmacological supplementation above requirements may inhibit immune function. Also to consider is the potential to over-immunomodulate, where important functions such as clearance of microbial infections may be reduced when supplementation reduces the inflammatory action of the immune system. Continued work in the area of nutritional immunology will further enhance our understanding of the power of nutrition and diet to improve health in both livestock and companion animals. This review collects examples from several species to highlight the work completed to understand how nutrition can be used to alter immune function, intended or not.

Influence of Probiotic Supplementation on Health Status of the Dogs: A Review

“…Vitamins (D and E), minerals (Zinc), omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, microbial metabolites such as SCFA, and probiotics have immunomodulating potentials. The vitamins, zinc, and SCFA are involved in intestinal homeostasis and maintain intestinal integrity [75][76][77]. Supplementation of vitamin E and selenium enhanced the immune response in vaccinated dogs, and especially increased the IgG concentration compared to the control, and offered the highest protection [78].…”

Dietary source of polyunsaturated fatty acids influences cell cytotoxicity in broiler chickens

“…Alongside these properties, n-3 FAs also enhance the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and behave as pro-resolution agents which further act as precursors of pre-resolving mediators like EPA-derived resolvins, DHA-derived resolvins, and protectins and maresins. N-3 FAs are likely to suppress T cell activity through inhibition of Th1 and Th17 differentiation 47 . Abdulwahid and Mudheher 48 studied the effects of flaxseed oil in combination with a probiotic on broilers' immune response.…”

Thymomodulin in association with antifungal drugs in the therapy of cats with disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis: a prospective study

“…Based on these findings, we may infer that, by contributing to the immunological homeostasis of cats, these animals become less vulnerable to the inherent catabolism of mycoses with the formation of exuberant pyogranulomatous lesions. There is evidence that patients who receive a high nutritional diet have a better prognosis (BOBECK, 2020).…”