463 - Immunomodulatory Effects of Gum Arabica in Goat Blood

Gastrointestinal nematodes and other pathogens pose a major problem for goat production by reducing animal performance and welfare. Plants such as Acacia Senegal are useful as dietary sources for natural prophylaxis. Gum Arabica (GA) from A. Sengal has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties that need to be explored in goats. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible immunomodulatory effect of a water extract of GA in goat blood. Clinically healthy Boer and Spanish goats from the NCA&T Small ruminant unit were used. Goats were assigned randomly to two groups of ten (n = 20). Goats of one group were drenched daily with 10 mL of GA (treatment I) extract for 6 weeks. The second (control) group of goats received sterile water (treatment II). Blood was collected from the jugular vein in tubes containing acid-citrate-dextrose anticoagulant. Plasma was separated and the concentration of total protein was determined using Pierce BCA kit (Thermo Scientific Pierce, Rockford, IL). The white blood cell differential count was assessed on Wrights smeared stains. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM in SAS 9.4 (P < 0.05). Treatment with GA modulated total plasma protein concentration and the differential white blood cell counts. Treatment increased total plasma protein concentration and % lymphocytes, it decreased % neutrophils. Immunomodulation by GA may be advantageous in promoting health and wellness in goats. Further studies on the mechanism of action are warranted.