Hydration: Don’t let the Calf’s Immune Cells get Thirsty
Immune health is important for all animals at every stage of life. Hydration is like the oil that lubes up the Calf’s immune system and keeps it running smoothly. You can’t race a car without oil, and a calf can’t fight disease without hydration. Water carries important components of the immune system, including nutrients, to where they need to go and carries away waste from organs that are the byproducts of the calf’s everyday metabolism as they consume food and turn it into energy. If not flushed out, that waste has the potential to become toxic and weaken the immune system.
What Is Hydration?
There’s more to hydration than just getting enough fluids — it’s also about getting enough electrolytes.
WATER + ELECTROLYTES = HYDRATION
How Water Supports Immunity
- Forms saliva
- Aids digestion
- Keeps mucosal membranes moist
- Allows the body’s cells to grow, reproduce and survive
- Flushes waste
- Regulates body temperature through sweating and respiration
- Converts food into energy
- Helps deliver oxygen throughout the body
Research shows that the electrolyte sodium plays a role in modulating the immune system.The electrolyte magnesium impacts the body’s inflammation response, influences the function of immune cells, and has an effect on the performance of immune-system-related organs.
3 Reasons Why Water and Electrolytes are Good for the Calf’s Immune System
Reason 1: Bodily Fluids
The lymphatic system is the body’s waste removal system. Lymph fluid transports white blood cells all over the body to kill pathogens. Lymph fluid is mostly water, so if the calf is dehydrated it’s not going to work properly.
Reason 2: Mucus Production
Mucus acts as a barrier between the pathogens and dust that a calf breathe. When the mucus is dehydrated and dry, this barrier breaks down and its open season for pathogens. The mucous membranes in the gut actually store critical antibodies that can help keep the calf safe from infections. We need the gut mucous membranes to release these antibodies with vigor when the calf needs them, we need to keep them moist.
Reason 3: Immune Cells
Research shows that dehydration impacts how well the immune cells do their job. Dehydration negatively impacts CD4/CD8 T-lymphocyte ratio (a ratio of two critical immune cells that’s used as a marker of immune system health.) Dehydration keeps neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections, from operating at their best.
Hydration is the foundation of a strong immune system, but we also know that sometimes the calf can use a little extra immune support. Ensure calves drink plenty of water and electrolytes to support Immune Function.