PROMOTING HEALTHY, STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEMS
One of Capra Science main missions is to develop environments for the animals that promote good health and alert immune systems. A strong immune system will upon an antigen challenge give substantially higher levels of antigen-specific antibodies in serum. There is already a vast amount of research publications showing the close connection between the performance of the immune system and environmental stimuli. In collaboration with academic research teams within animal behavioral science, we strive to continuously evolve the animal care in positive directions. Our vision is that Capra Science's efforts will set new animal care standards and contribute globally to an improved animal welfare within the antibody industry.
ENVIRONMENT'S IMPACT ON ANTIBODY YIELD
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The environment makes significant impacts on a body's immune system, which in turn dictates how well it can fight pathogens.
Environment-mediated immune suppression results in reduced antibody production. One environmental factor that can trigger immune suppression is
chronic stress. The stimuli for triggering chronic stress are for example loud or sudden noises during long periods of time, cramped spaces, isolation and boredom. |
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Other factors that negatively impact on the immune system are the low concentrations of natural microbes in the living space and in the diet. This does not challenge and "teach" the immune system how to function properly. This may also trigger allergic reactions and production of antibodies against plastic materials.
Natural day light has many health benefits and strengthens the immune system.
Many of these environmental parameters that affect immune suppression are often found in the common clean animal laboratory facilities that are present today. According to research, these environments do not promote a top-quality antibody product.
A selection of supporting research literature:
1. McEwen, B.S. 1998. Protective and damaging effects of streess mediators: Allostasis and sllostatic load. N. Engl. J. Med. 338, 171-179.
2. Millan, S. et al. 1996. Short and long restraint differentially affect humoral and cellular immune fuctions. Life Sci. 59, 1431-1442.
3. Dhabhar, F.S., McEwen, B.J. 1999. Enhancing versus suppressive effects of stress hormones on skin immune function. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96, 1059-1064
4. Fukui, Y. et al. 1997. The restraint stress-induced reduction in lymphocyte cell number in lymphoid organs correlates with the suppression of in vivo antibody production. J. Neuroimmunol. 44, 33-42.
5. Tournier, J.N. et al. 2001. Chronic restraint stress induces severe disruption of the T-cell specific response to tetanus toxin vaccine. Immunology 102, 87-93.
1. McEwen, B.S. 1998. Protective and damaging effects of streess mediators: Allostasis and sllostatic load. N. Engl. J. Med. 338, 171-179.
2. Millan, S. et al. 1996. Short and long restraint differentially affect humoral and cellular immune fuctions. Life Sci. 59, 1431-1442.
3. Dhabhar, F.S., McEwen, B.J. 1999. Enhancing versus suppressive effects of stress hormones on skin immune function. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96, 1059-1064
4. Fukui, Y. et al. 1997. The restraint stress-induced reduction in lymphocyte cell number in lymphoid organs correlates with the suppression of in vivo antibody production. J. Neuroimmunol. 44, 33-42.
5. Tournier, J.N. et al. 2001. Chronic restraint stress induces severe disruption of the T-cell specific response to tetanus toxin vaccine. Immunology 102, 87-93.
CREATING A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
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By taking an active interest and part in the reseach of how the environment affects the immune system function, we are creating a milieu for our animals that benifit their health, wellbeing and immune function.
In our mission to keep pushing animal care standards in a positive direction, we are in the process of developing new ethical housing methods that are tailored for each breed. The main requirements that we value are that 1) the animals live in a stress-free environment 2) the animals live in a social environment (avoid single-animal keeping) 3) the animals have access to large areas (for example grazing) 4) the animals have a close contact to nature (out-door access with fresh grass) 5) the animal's environment fulfills the breed's specific behavioral needs 6) the animals can breathe fresh air 7) the animals have natural day light 8) fresh organic diet is on the menu, avoiding pellet feed We plan to release more information regarding our progress in these areas at the end of 2015. Also, on the Capra Farm Blog you can follow the seasonal events at the organic farm. By letting us produce your antibody, you automatically support our work of developing new ethical animal care systems. |
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THE IMPORTANCE OF DIET
The composition of the diet and it's nutrients has a great impact on overall health and the strength of the immune system. At Capra Science we have developed a mixture of documented parasite-repressing herbs and organically grown hay and seeds that improves the resistance to parasites and makes the immune system alert.
We have chosen to run the Capra Farm organic, due to the fact that many of the pestacides used today are known to have negative effects on health. Our farm is certified organic since many years back.
We have chosen to run the Capra Farm organic, due to the fact that many of the pestacides used today are known to have negative effects on health. Our farm is certified organic since many years back.
