Evaluation of Possible Stress Factors Affecting Physiological Level of Gamma Interferon During First Six Months of Life in Healthy Calves

Background and Aims: To determine the possible stress factors affecting normal physiological level of gamma interferon in calves. Methods: Forty two healthy calves with age rang (1-6 months ) were included. Five milliliters of venous blood were collected and store at -20 cº for evaluation of gamma interferon (INFγ). Complete investigation about the age, gender, source of feed, source of water, health status of breeding environment and season was recorded. Results: The mean INFγ concentration was (126.2714± 14.43685 pg/ml). Significant difference was reported between age groups according to INFγ level (p value =0.000). INFγ level positively correlated with calves age group (1-2) month (p value =0.043); female calves (p value =0.014),while significant negative correlation was reported between the male calves and INFγ level (p value =0.032). INFγ level positively correlated with drinking of tap water (p value =.003) and milk feeding (p value =0.050). INFγ level positively Inversely correlated with grass feeding (p value =0.050); breeding of calves in poor health status of environment (p value =0.0050).Although significant fluctuation in INFγ level was obvious throughout the year , no significant correlation between season and mean INFγ level. Conclusions: Normal physiological level of INFγ in calves positively increased during 1-2 months after birth, positively correlated with gender mainly females; drinking of tap water; milk feeding. Normal physiological level of INFγ in calves inversely correlated with males; grass feeding; breeding of calves in poor health status of environment. Normal INFγ level in calves not affected by season.