Leukocytic Response to Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone as Influenced by the Infectious History of the Mammary Gland

Abstract

Twenty-two cows were divided among three groups by mammary gland infection: Corynebacterium bovis-infected (nine cows), pathogen-infected (six cows), and uninfected (seven cows). All cows were given four daily intramuscular injections of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (250 IU). Despite elevations in circulating leukocytes for all groups, there were no significant increases in milk somatic cells that could be attributed to exogenous hormone. © 1973, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.