Bluetongue and nutrition: The importance of a strong immune system in dairy cows

The increase in the number of bluetongue cases in ruminants emphasises the importance of specific nutrients that are crucial for activating and supporting the immune system.

Dairy cows can often carry the virus without showing any visible symptoms. A well-functioning immune system is essential to minimise the impact of the infection.

Whenever an animal’s immune system is activated – whether by disease, injury or vaccination – the distribution of nutrients in the body changes. Glucose consumption increases dramatically, as immune cells require a lot of energy to fight infections. In some cases, a dairy cow can consume more than 1 kg of glucose in the first 12 hours of an acute immune response. At the same time, an infection often reduces feed intake, which further reduces the available energy and nutrients. An active and alert immune system is also essential. Feed additives such as yeasts can contribute to this.

The role of yeasts in animal nutrition

Schothorst Feed Research states in its October 2024 Circular* that yeasts, particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae, can play an important role in supporting the health and immune system of dairy cows.

Studies show that yeast products such as yeast cell walls and fermentation products have positive effects on both calves and adult dairy cows and have an impact on:

• Improved gut health: Yeasts stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and help suppress harmful pathogens.
• Supporting the immune system: Beta-glucans in yeast cell walls can activate immune cells and increase resistance.
• Better energy utilisation: Yeasts can improve rumen fermentation, enabling dairy cows to utilise nutrients more efficiently and reducing the risk of a negative energy balance.

With the right nutrition and additives, such as the yeast ProRumen ProRumen, dairy cows can be better supported during periods of increased immune stress. This is not only important in combating diseases such as bluetongue, but also for their general health and milk production.

Would you like to know more…

About specific yeast products or how you can optimally use them in animal nutrition? Please contact: