SPECIAL STORY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2023 65 THE THREAT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE Infectious disease represents a severe and pervasive threat to global animal production. Direct economic costs derive from increased mortalities, reduced performance, disease control interventions and decreased market value. Pathogens, however, are an inevitable component of the farm ecosystem and from birth, animals are rapidly exposed to large numbers of them. Central to an animal’s defense is the immune system. Comprised of a complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and the substances they produce, efficient immune responses can greatly limit potential invaders. Whilst animals are born with certain innate defenses, the immune system continues to develop over time, adapting to diverse antigenic exposure, meaning young animals with relatively immature immune systems are more vulnerable to disease. Nutrition is essential to developing and sustaining effective immune responses, providing the adequate nutrients in sufficient concentrations to nourish the complete organism, including its immune cells. ADM has identified versatile nutritional opportunities that can be leveraged to bolster the immune defenses of young production animals through this critical window in their development. THE PASSIVE TRANSFER OF IMMUNITY Upon pathogenic invasion, active immune reSUPPORTING IMMUNE DEVELOPMENT IN PRODUCTION ANIMALS “Immune development and function are energetically expensive. Fueling the turnover of large populations of cells relies on the presence of many micronutrients and any deficiencies can rapidly impair resistance to infection. Activation of the immune system competes with other physiological programs, such as metabolic growth, prioritizing defense at the cost of performance. Ensuring adequate feed intake to secure performance and compensate for immune activation is therefore essential.” Catherine Ionescu Research Manager – Feed Additives ADM Animal Nutrition Caroline Chylinski Research Manager – Feed Additives ADM Animal Nutrition
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