Shi, Jishu N.Chengappa, M. M.McVey, D.S.Blecha, FrankGoodband, Robert D.Nelssen, Jim L.Tokach, Michael D.2010-03-262010-03-262010-03-26http://hdl.handle.net/2097/3369Nonspecific immunity is usually lower in young pigs than adults. Consequently, enhancing the young pig's nonspecific immune capability may be beneficial for the health and performance of early-weaned pigs. Twenty, 9-d-old, crossbred pigs were allotted by litter and weight into two treatment groups: recombinant bovine interleukin- 1β (rBoIL-1β; 5 μg/kg, intramuscularly at 9 and 10 d of age)) or control. Pigs were weaned at 10 d of age and housed in an isolation facility with ad libitum access to water and a pelleted diet formulated to meet the nutrient requirements and provide maximum growth of early-weaned pigs. Blood samples were obtained on 9, 12, 15, and 18 d of age for determination of several neutrophil function assays including: bactericidal activity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and superoxide anion production. Pigs were challenged with S. suis (serotype 2) at 18 d of age. Neutrophil-mediated ADCC was increased at 12, 15, and 18 d of age in pigs treated with rBoIL-1β. Two days postweaning, neutrophil-mediated lysis of Staphylococcus aureus was lower in control pigs when compared to rBoIL-1β-treated pigs (6.6 vs 13.3%). Superoxide anion production was not influenced by rBoIL-1β treatment. Clinical signs of S. suis infection were less severe in pigs administered rBoIL-1β. These data suggest that rBoIL-1β increases neutrophil function and resistance to S. suis in early-weaned pigs.SwineEarly weaningImmunityImmune enhancementConference paper