EN
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) outbreaks are common in heifer herds. Monenzin, a feed additive, is often used in order to improve rumen digestion. The impact of this antibiotic on neutrophil phagocytes and the secretion of its granules contents have been reported in several species, although not in cattle. The presented study focused on the secretor and viability traits of neutrophils from healthy heifer blood (n=4) and BRD heifers (n=6). Isolated cells were subjected to monenzin (150 mM) within a 24 hr incubation period. Elastase, myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphates activities as well as ROS, NO and cell viability assessment were carried out using MTT tests in incubation media. Neutrophils of BRD heifers displayed a significantly higher granular enzyme release and lowered vitality than in the healthy animals. Increased concentrations of monenzin inhibited secretions of NO both in healthy and BRD heifers, yet did not influence O-. 2 levels. Monenzin at 1 mM stimulated ALP activity, but higher concentrations of the substance suppressed their release. Elastase output grew in relation to increasing amounts of the antibiotic. Cell viability was significantly affected by higher concentrations of monenzin. The obtained in-vivo results suggest that heifers fed with monenzin- -containing diets may have neutrophil-augmented reactions, and, as a result, the course of BRD may become more severe.