The Neonate: Care and Immunity

Dear Colleagues,

The neonates’ metabolism differs markedly from adolescent and adults. The immune system develops in mammals at prenatal period and majority of neonates are able to respond against majority of environmental antigens at birth, however this response is weaker and easier to break comparing to adults The passive transfer of maternal immunity happens in mammals via placenta or/and via colostrum. The intensity, quality of this process influence significantly the immune protection of the neonate at first weeks and months of life. Moreover, during first weeks of life the significant changes associated with maturation of the gastrointestinal, as well as urinary tract happen. The complicated process of maturation and development may be disturbed by factors affecting in the prenatal, perinatal and postnatal periods. Changes/disturbances in the course of pregnancy (like intrauterine growth retardation), the course of parturition and interactions of neonates after birth with the environment factors influence the health, development, survival and longevity of animals. Comparing to human medicine there is a gap of knowledge in animals. This special issue will present the findings of some research groups involved in the neonatal problems of livestock animals.

Prof. Tadeusz Stefaniak
Prof. Paulina Jawor
Prof. Anna Rząsa
Guest Editors

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