Project Number: 1265-32000-083-04
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: May 19, 2005
End Date: May 01, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to determine the stability of cis-urocanic acid in the biological fluids of cattle and to determine whether cis-urocanic acid reduces inflammation during acute mastitis.

Approach:
Cis-urocanic acid will be infused into the mammary glands of 2-3 lactating cows. Following infusion, biological fluids (e.g., milk, blood, and or urine) will be collected at various time points and sent to BioCis Pharma for analysis. Health parameters will be recorded by ARS scientist (e.g., body temperature, milk somatic cell counts). In subsequent studies, the effects of cis-urocanic acid on inflammation in an inducible mastitis model will be assessed. The quarters of 9 -12 cows will be experimentally infected with E. coli by ARS scientists and subsequently infused with cis-urocanic acid, the latter of which will be provided by BioCis Pharma Ltd. Health parameters (e.g., body temperature) will be assessed and milk samples collected and analyzed by ARS scientists for bacterial and milk somatic cell counts, and inflammatory cytokine levels. Milk samples will also be sent to BioCis Pharma for analysis of milk levels of cis-urocanic acid.