Effect of dietary administration of bananas on immunocytes in F1 hybrid calves

The effect of dietary administration of bananas on immunocytes in calves was investigated. Twenty Fl hybrid calves were used in this study (treated group n=10, control group n=10). Banana (2 g/kg BW) was administered to the calves for 5 days. Leukocyte subsets were examined on days 0, 5, 10, and 15. The numbers CD3+, (CD3+)CD45R-, and (CD3+)TcR+ cells significantly increased between day 0 and day 5 in the treated group (P<0.01), and were significantly higher on day 5 in the treated group relative to the control group (P<0.05). These data showed that feeding banana to calves increased T-lymphocytes, suggesting it might be possible to enhance protective functions against infections.