Practical Bovine Immunology - Hands-on Applications and Immunological Concepts

Aimed at the busy practicing bovine veterinarian, students in their clinical years, and professionals in allied fields, this book focuses on the various aspects of bovine immunology. Maintaining a functioning immune system is critical for not only protecting the health and welfare of cattle but also to maximize profitability from any cattle enterprise. Those working in the field find themselves dealing daily with the application of immunologic concepts, be it for our understanding of vaccines, infectious diseases, or non-infectious syndromes.

Structured in two parts, the volume begins concept-focused with key components of the immune system. Throughout, you will always find examples of important species differences as they relate to cattle. Chapters in the second part are systems-focused, covering areas of application and novel concepts in bovine immunology. Each contribution ends with a vivid case study that highlights utilization of the covered material. The cases are followed by key questions that apply concepts to practical situations. Answers are carefully provided in the book´s appendix.

Rather than a comprehensive textbook on immunology, this guide stresses applications and common questions arising in day-to-day bovine practice. Aspiring specialists will likewise appreciate this illustrative reference with accessible readability.

List of contents

Part I: The Basics.- Chapter 1. Defense of the body: Multiple Layers of Immunity.- Chapter 2. Innate versus Adaptive Immunity.- Chapter 3. B lymphocytes, antibodies and their responses to invaders.- Chapter 4. T lymphocytes, cytokines and their responses to invaders.- Chapter 5. Immunodiagnostics.- Part II: The Immune System in Cattle.- Chapter 6. Mucosal immunity.- Chapter 7. Neonatal Immunology.- Chapter 8. Nutrition and immunity in cattle.- Chapter 9. Bovine Parasites and Immunology.- Chapter 10. Reproductive immunology.- Chapter 11. Mammary gland immunity during infection (mastitis).- Chapter 12. Immunology of the respiratory tract.- Chapter 13. Immunotherapies.- Chapter 14. Bovine Vaccination.

About the author

John Ellis
is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and the American College of Veterinary Microbiology (Immunology, Virology). Since 1992, he has been in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, where he teaches virology and immunology. His substantial publication record encompasses more than 250 peer-reviewed articles, and he was the number 2 most cited author in the veterinary literature from 1995-2005. John further authored textbook chapters and has given over 300 invited lectures in various scientific professional forums. In addition to his work on bovine immunology, he has conducted primary research on a variety of infectious diseases in sheep, dogs, and pigs. Recently, John was named the Distinguished Veterinary Microbiologist for 2024 by the American College of Veterinary Microbiology.

Victor Cortese 
graduated from Michigan State University and is the owner of Cortese Veterinary Consulting LLC, working with veterinarians and cattle producers around the world. He has published extensively on viral infections, immunology, neonatal immunology, and young dairy calf management, with several textbook chapters and guest lectures at veterinary and university meetings. He received his diplomat status to American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Dairy Practice Specialty), and the Bovine Veterinarian Magazine selected Dr. Cortese as one of the twenty most influential cattle veterinarians in the United States.

 

Summary

Aimed at the busy practicing bovine veterinarian, students in their clinical years, and professionals in allied fields, this book focuses on the various aspects of bovine immunology. Maintaining a functioning immune system is critical for not only protecting the health and welfare of cattle but also to maximize profitability from any cattle enterprise. Those working in the field find themselves dealing daily with the application of immunologic concepts, be it for our understanding of vaccines, infectious diseases, or non-infectious syndromes.


Structured in two parts, the volume begins concept-focused with key components of the immune system. Throughout, you will always find examples of important species differences as they relate to cattle. Chapters in the second part are systems-focused, covering areas of application and novel concepts in bovine immunology. Each contribution ends with a vivid case study that highlights utilization of the covered material. The cases are followed by key questions that apply concepts to practical situations. Answers are carefully provided in the book´s appendix.


Rather than a comprehensive textbook on immunology, this guide stresses applications and common questions arising in day-to-day bovine practice. Aspiring specialists will likewise appreciate this illustrative reference with accessible readability.

Product details

• Authors: Victor Cortese, John Ellis
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 03.05.2026
• EAN: 9783032150301
• ISBN: 978-3-0-3215030-1
• Illustrations: Approx. 130 p.
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Medicine > Veterinary medicine; Tiermedizin: Infektionskrankheiten und Therapeutika, Veterinary Science, vaccination, Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Bovine Immunology, Cell Mediated Immunity, Neonatal Immunity, Nutrition and Immunity