Mallory Crookenden

Citation

Thesis Title
A study of circulating neutrophils and exosomes associated with innate immune function in the periparturient grazing dairy cow

Read article at Massey Research Online:

During the periparturient period (immediately before and after calving), the dairy cow transitions from a pregnant to lactating state. This is the time of greatest risk for health disorders that costs the New Zealand dairy industry upwards of one and a half billion dollars each year. Ms Crookenden investigated molecular changes in innate immune cells (neutrophils/polymorphonuclear cells) during the periparturient period because of their importance in fighting infection. She also investigated the effect of metabolic stress on these cells and on the number and protein content of circulating inter-cellular messaging nanoparticles (exosomes). Her research provided valuable insight into the dynamics of bovine immunology during the transition from pregnancy into lactation and novel insight into exosome signalling during metabolic disease. Collectively, Ms Crookenden’s research provided invaluable information that will be utilised to better manage transition dairy cows in New Zealand and, likely, have implications for all mammals’ transition between pregnancy and lactation.

Supervisors
Dr Alan Murray
Dr Axel Heiser
Dr John Roche
Dr Rao Dukkipati