Feeding Dairy Cows to be More Resilient to Infection

Virginia Tech researchers are studying whether nutrition can strengthen dairy cows’ immune systems and improve their resilience to disease. Led by Assistant Professor Johan Osorio, the research focuses on bioactive compounds and glutathione, a naturally occurring antioxidant that may reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and increase milk production, particularly during the stressful calving period. Researchers found that cows with adequate glutathione levels before calving are better able to withstand reduced feed intake and produce more milk, yet only about one-third of cows currently reach those levels.

The team is working to develop practical nutritional strategies, including targeted supplementation and improved late-gestation management, that dairy producers can adopt to improve herd health. The research is also expanding to beef cattle, where scientists are evaluating glutathione’s ability to reduce stress caused by grazing on fungus-infected fescue. Researchers hope the findings will improve animal welfare, strengthen dairy farm profitability, and enhance the industry’s long-term resilience.