Diet-Driven Enhancement of Immune Resilience, Disease Resistance, and Performance: Mechanistic Insights, Nutritional Interventions, and Implications for Sustainable Dairy Development

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 02 | Page : 15 24
By

Md. Emran Hossain,

  1. Professor, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram, Bangladesh

Abstract

This review synthesizes current knowledge on how dietary strategies can strengthen immune resilience, improve disease resistance, and enhance productive performance in dairy systems while advancing sustainable development. Immune function in dairy cattle is profoundly influenced by nutrition, with energy, protein, essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds playing critical roles in shaping both innate and adaptive immune responses. Suboptimal nutrition impairs immune competence, increases susceptibility to infectious and metabolic disorders, and reduces milk yield, growth, and reproductive performance. In contrast, targeted nutritional interventions support immune-metabolic balance, maintain gut barrier integrity, and promote systemic health, enabling animals to withstand environmental and physiological stressors. This article examines mechanistic links between diet and immune regulation, emphasizing nutrient sensing pathways, oxidative balance, inflammatory modulation, and gut microbiome interactions, which collectively determine immune robustness and resilience. The review also evaluates the efficacy of functional feed additives, including prebiotics, probiotics, phytogenics, and immunomodulatory micronutrients, in improving health stability and reducing disease burden. Additionally, it highlights precision nutrition approaches that align dietary formulations with the physiological stage, environmental stressors, and genetic potential of animals, ensuring optimal nutrient delivery for immune support and productive efficiency. By integrating immunology with dairy nutrition, this synthesis provides evidence-based insights and practical recommendations for improving herd health, reducing reliance on antimicrobials, and promoting sustainable production systems. These strategies contribute to maximizing productivity while safeguarding animal welfare and minimizing environmental impact, offering a comprehensive framework for resilient and ethically responsible dairy management.

Keywords: Dairy cattle, gut microbiome, immune resilience, immune-nutrition, nutrient sensing, precision nutrition, sustainable dairy

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : A Journal of Immunology ]

How to cite this article: Md. Emran Hossain. Diet-Driven Enhancement of Immune Resilience, Disease Resistance, and Performance: Mechanistic Insights, Nutritional Interventions, and Implications for Sustainable Dairy Development. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Immunology. 2026; 16(02):15-24.
How to cite this URL: Md. Emran Hossain. Diet-Driven Enhancement of Immune Resilience, Disease Resistance, and Performance: Mechanistic Insights, Nutritional Interventions, and Implications for Sustainable Dairy Development. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Immunology. 2026; 16(02):15-24. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjoi/article=2026/view=251602

References

  1. Strain R, Stanton C, Ross RP. Effect of diet on pathogen performance in the microbiome. Microorganisms. 2023;11(11):2718. doi: 3390/microorganisms11112718.
  2. Sharma VK. Microbiota-derived SCFAs in multiple sclerosis: from immune priming to neurodegeneration. Molecular Neurobiology. 2026 Jan;63(1):31.
  3. de Oliveira Cunha T. Adiposity, Energy Metabolism, and Immune Function in Dairy Cows: Exploring the Interplay of Body Condition, Nutrient Demands, and Postpartum Adaptations. The University of Wisconsin-Madison; 2024.
  4. Puranik P. The impact of diet and nutrition on your immune system. Troscriptions; 2024. Available from: https://troscriptions.com/blogs/main/diets-and-immune-system
  5. Dunbar CL, Aukema HM, Calder PC, Field CJ, Haqq AM, Klentrou P, et al. Nutrition and immunity: Perspectives on key issues and next steps. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2023;48(6):593–607. doi: 1139/apnm-2022-0276.
  6. Clemente-Suárez VJ, Beltrán-Velasco AI, Redondo-Flórez L, Martín-Rodríguez A, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Yáñez-Sepúlveda R, et al. Global impacts of western diet and its effects on metabolism and health: A narrative review. Nutrients. 2023;15(12):2749. doi: 3390/nu15122749.
  7. Li F, Armet AM, Korpela K, Liu J, Quevedo RM, de Vos WM, et al. Cardiometabolic benefits of a non-industrialized-type diet are linked to gut microbiome modulation. Cell. 2025;188(1):119–137.e22. doi: 1016/j.cell.2024.11.018.
  8. Tseng CH, Wu CY. From dysbiosis to longevity: A narrative review into the gut microbiome’s impact on aging. Longev Healthspan. 2025;14:25. doi: 1186/s12929-025-01179-x.
  9. Nolte S, Krüger K, Lenz C, Zentgraf K. Optimizing the gut microbiota for individualized performance development in elite athletes. Biology (Basel). 2023;12(12):1491. doi: 3390/biology12121491.
  10. Kasimanickam R, Bhowmik P, Kastelic JP, Ferreira JC, Ribeiro ES, Gilbert RO, et al. From infection to infertility: Diagnostic, therapeutic, and molecular perspectives on postpartum metritis and endometritis in dairy cows. Animals (Basel). 2025;15(19):2841. doi: 3390/ani15192841.
  11. Abera M. Response of dairy cattle to thermal stress: Implications for designing animal breeding strategies for sustainable productivity under changing climate. Appl Vet Res. 2025;3(4):e2024011. doi: 31893/avr.2024011.
  12. Buonaiuto G, Federiconi A, Vecchiato CG, Benini E, Dall’Ava B, Brecchia G, et al. Betaine dietary supplementation: Healthy aspects in human and animal nutrition. Antioxidants (Basel). 2025;14(7):771. doi: 3390/antiox14070771.
  13. Wu Q, Kan J, Cui Z, Ma Y, Liu X, Dong R, Huang D, Chen L, Du J, Fu C. Understanding the nutritional benefits through plant proteins-probiotics interactions: mechanisms, challenges, and perspectives. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2025 Jul 4;65(18):3569-87.
  14. Gauly M, Bollwein H, Breves G, Brügemann K, Dänicke S, Daş G, et al. Future consequences and challenges for dairy cow production systems arising from climate change in Central Europe: A review. Animal. 2013;7(5):843–859. doi: 1017/S1751731112002352.
  15. Hossain ME, Islam S. Operational Complexities in Commercial Dairy Farms: Insights into Feeding, Nutrition. Health, and Management Practices for Sustainable Dairy Development. International Journal of Animal Biotechnology and Applications. 2025;11(1):37-50p.
  16. Wopereis S. Phenotypic flexibility in nutrition research to quantify human variability: Building the bridge to personalized nutrition. Proc Nutr Soc. 2023;82(4):394–402.
  17. Mezzetti M, Cattaneo L, Passamonti MM, Lopreiato V, Minuti A, Trevisi E. The transition period updated: A review of the new insights into the adaptation of dairy cows to the new lactation. Dairy. 2021;2(4):470–487. doi: 3390/dairy2040048.
  18. Gul S, Durante-Mangoni E. Unraveling the puzzle: Health benefits of probiotics—A comprehensive review. J Clin Med. 2024;13(5):1436. doi: 3390/jcm13051436.
  19. Brugman S, Ikeda-Ohtsubo W, Braber S, Folkerts G, Pieterse CMJ, Bakker PAHM. A comparative review on microbiota manipulation: Lessons from fish, plants, livestock, and human research. Front Nutr. 2018;5:80. doi: 3389/fnut.2018.00080.
  20. Adebayo OM, Popoola MA, Kuusu DJ, Fanwo RR, Shoyombo AJ, Ndiomu EP, Egbeyan JA, Moses AA. Application of bioinformatics in animal breeding and genetics: A review. In2024 International Conference on Science, Engineering and Business for Driving Sustainable Development Goals (SEB4SDG) 2024 Apr 2 (pp. 1-7). IEEE.
  21. Kaur S, Gupta R, Sharma P, Singh B, Kaur G, Kaur H, et al. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.): From staple to superfood—a comprehensive review on nutritional, bioactive, industrial, and climate resilience potential. Planta. 2024;260(5):112. doi: 1007/s00425-024-04502-2.
  22. Witkamp RF. Bioactive components in traditional foods aimed at health promotion: A route to novel mechanistic insights and lead molecules? Annu Rev Food Sci Technol. 2022;13:1–23. doi: 1146/annurev-food-052720-092845.
  23. Daniel IK, Njue OM, Sanad YM. Antimicrobial effects of plant-based supplements on gut microbial diversity in small ruminants. Pathogens. 2024;13(1):31. doi: 3390/pathogens13010031.
  24. Meyers GR, Samouda H, Bohn T. Short-chain fatty acid metabolism in relation to gut microbiota and genetic variability. Nutrients. 2022;14(24):5361. doi: 3390/nu14245361.
  25. Zang J, Lin T, Xu C, Lin Y, Ma K, Zhang C, Rui X, Gan D, Li W. Advances in lactic acid bacteria and their metabolites in fermented foods: Mechanisms of food quality enhancement, gut microbiota modulation, and future prospects. Food Reviews International. 2026 Apr 3;42(3):1657-91.
  26. de Sire A, de Sire R, Curci C, Castiglione F, Wahli W. Role of dietary supplements and probiotics in modulating microbiota and bone health: The gut-bone axis. Cells. 2022;11(4):743. doi: 3390/cells11040743.
  27. Luo M, Yan C, Hu W, Zhang Z, Zhao W, Qi Q, Tang Z. Review and Application of Hydrogen in Regulating Production Performance, Stress Tolerance, and Gut Microbiota in Livestock. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2025 Jun 13;73(28):17331-43.
  28. Sanz Y, Cryan JF, Deschasaux-Tanguy M, Haller D, Sandhu KV, Cani PD, et al. The gut microbiome connects nutrition and human health. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025;22(8):515–536. doi: 1038/s41575-025-01077-5.
  29. Del Portillo MM, Clemente-Suárez VJ, Ruisoto P, Martín-Rodríguez A, Rico-González M, Beltrán-Velasco AI, et al. Nutritional modulation of the gut-brain axis: A comprehensive review of dietary interventions in depression and anxiety management. Metabolites. 2024;14(10):549. doi: 3390/metabo14100549.
  30. Lu PM. Exploration of the health benefits of probiotics under high-sugar and high-fat diets. Adv Med Res. 2023;1(2):Article 303.
  31. Verma A, Bhagchandani T, Rai A, Nikita, Kumari S, Sharma P, et al. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) as a connecting link between microbiota and gut-lung axis: A potential therapeutic intervention to improve lung health. ACS Omega. 2024;9(8):8755–8774. doi: 1021/acsomega.3c05846.
  32. Adithya KK, Rajeev R, Selvin J, Narayanankutty A, Sabu A, Raghavan PR, et al. Dietary influence on the dynamics of the human gut microbiome: Prospective implications in interventional therapies. ACS Food Sci Technol. 2021;1(5):717–736. doi: 1021/acsfoodscitech.0c00075.
  33. Wang Y, Gong Y, Farid MS, Zhao C. Milk: A natural guardian for the gut barrier. J Agric Food Chem. 2024;72(10):5318–5337. doi: 1021/acs.jafc.3c06861.
  34. Wang S, Cui J, Jiang S, Zheng C, Zhao J, Zhang H, et al. Early life gut microbiota: Consequences for health and opportunities for prevention. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(30):10764–10795. doi: 1080/10408398.2022.2158451.
  35. Zhou P, Chen C, Patil S, Dong S. Unveiling the therapeutic symphony of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in gut-immune harmony. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1355542. doi: 3389/fnut.2024.1355542.
  36. Mafra D, Borges NA, Cardozo LFMF, Stockler-Pinto MB, Moraes C, Mafra A, et al. What can the gut microbiota of animals teach us about the relationship between nutrition and burden of lifestyle diseases? Nutrients. 2024;16(11):1789. doi: 3390/nu16111789.
  37. Irawan A, Yanza YR, Abdel-Moneim AME, Arif M, Ismail IE, Tufarelli V, et al. Meta-analysis and systematic review of dietary quercetin effects on broiler performance, carcass traits, and oxidative status. Worlds Poult Sci J. 2026;82(1):1–22. doi: 1080/00439339.2025.2603403.
  38. Zhernakova A, Yassour M, Hall LJ, Collado MC. Unlocking the power of human milk and infant feeding: Understanding how nutrition and early microbiota interaction shapes health programming. Cell Host Microbe. 2025. doi: 1016/j.chom.2025.05.003.
  39. Zheng S, Li Y, Chen C, Wang N, Yang F. Solutions to the dilemma of antibiotics use in livestock and poultry farming: Regulation policy and alternatives. Toxics. 2025;13(5):348. doi: 3390/toxics13050348.
  40. Singh RK, Chang HW, Yan D, Lee KM, Ucmak D, Wong K, et al. Influence of diet on the gut microbiome and implications for human health. J Transl Med. 2017;15(1):73. doi: 1186/s12967-017-1175-y.
  41. Sanz Y, Cryan JF, Deschasaux-Tanguy M, Haller D, Sandhu KV, Cani PD, et al. The gut microbiome connects nutrition and human health. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025;22(8):515–536. doi: 1038/s41575-025-01077-5.
  42. Del Portillo MM, Clemente-Suárez VJ, Ruisoto P, Martín-Rodríguez A, Rico-González M, Beltrán-Velasco AI, et al. Nutritional modulation of the gut-brain axis: A comprehensive review of dietary interventions in depression and anxiety management. Metabolites. 2024;14(10):549. doi: 3390/metabo14100549.
  43. Lu PM. Exploration of the health benefits of probiotics under high-sugar and high-fat diets. Adv Med Res. 2023;1(2):Article 303.
  44. Verma A, Bhagchandani T, Rai A, Nikita, Kumari S, Sharma P, et al. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) as a connecting link between microbiota and gut-lung axis: A potential therapeutic intervention to improve lung health. ACS Omega. 2024;9(8):8755–8774. doi: 1021/acsomega.3c05846.
  45. Adithya KK, Rajeev R, Selvin J, Narayanankutty A, Sabu A, Raghavan PR, et al. Dietary influence on the dynamics of the human gut microbiome: Prospective implications in interventional therapies. ACS Food Sci Technol. 2021;1(5):717–736. doi: 1021/acsfoodscitech.0c00075.
  46. Wang Y, Gong Y, Farid MS, Zhao C. Milk: A natural guardian for the gut barrier. J Agric Food Chem. 2024;72(10):5318–5337. doi: 1021/acs.jafc.3c06861.
  47. Wang S, Cui J, Jiang S, Zheng C, Zhao J, Zhang H, et al. Early life gut microbiota: Consequences for health and opportunities for prevention. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2024;64(30):10764–10795. doi: 1080/10408398.2022.2158451.
  48. Zhou P, Chen C, Patil S, Dong S. Unveiling the therapeutic symphony of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in gut-immune harmony. Front Nutr. 2024;11:1355542. doi: 3389/fnut.2024.1355542.
  49. Mafra D, Borges NA, Cardozo LFMF, Stockler-Pinto MB, Moraes C, Mafra A, et al. What can the gut microbiota of animals teach us about the relationship between nutrition and burden of lifestyle diseases? Nutrients. 2024;16(11):1789. doi: 3390/nu16111789.
  50. Irawan A, Yanza YR, Abdel-Moneim AME, Arif M, Ismail IE, Tufarelli V, et al. Meta-analysis and systematic review of dietary quercetin effects on broiler performance, carcass traits, and oxidative status. Worlds Poult Sci J. 2026;82(1):1–22. doi: 1080/00439339.2025.2603403.
  51. Green M, Arora K, Prakash S. Microbial medicine: Prebiotic and probiotic functional foods to target obesity and metabolic syndrome. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(8):2890. doi: 3390/ijms21082890.
  52. Park I, Mannaa M. Fermented foods as functional systems: Microbial communities and metabolites influencing gut health and systemic outcomes. Foods. 2025;14(13):2292. doi: 3390/
    foods14132292.
  53. Finnegan D, Tocmo R, Löscher CE. Targeted application of functional foods as immune fitness boosters in the defense against viral infection. Nutrients. 2023;15(15):3371. doi: 3390/nu15153371.
  54. Anih DC, Arowora KA, Boyi RHN, Igbokwe VC, Nwokolo SC, Okwunodulu IN, et al. Postbiotics as biochemical agents in functional foods: Mechanisms, stability, and health implications. Curr Res Food Sci. 2025;10:100987.
  55. Wang L, Meng Q, Su CH. From food supplements to functional foods: Emerging perspectives on post-exercise recovery nutrition. Nutrients. 2024;16(23):4081. doi: 3390/nu16234081.
  56. Milani C, Duranti S, Bottacini F, Casey E, Turroni F, Mahony J, et al. The first microbial colonizers of the human gut: Composition, activities, and health implications of the infant gut microbiota. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev. 2017;81(4):e00036–17. doi: 1128/MMBR.00036-17.
  57. Shi J, Su H, He S, Dai S, Mao H, Wu D. Pan-genomic insights into rumen microbiome-mediated short-chain fatty acid production and regulation in ruminants. Microorganisms. 2025;13(6):1175. doi: 3390/microorganisms13061175.
  58. Quan W, Zhou J, Wang J, Huang J, Du L. Machine learning-driven precision nutrition: A paradigm evolution in dietary assessment and intervention. Nutrients. 2025;18(1):45. doi: 3390/
    nu18010045.
  59. Chen A, Zhang Y, Liu X, Wang H, Li J, Xu Y, et al. Navigating a challenging path: Precision disease treatment with tailored oral nano-armor probiotics. J Nanobiotechnology. 2025;23:241. doi: 1186/s12951-025-03141-3.
  60. Abdeen SK, Mastandrea I, Stinchcombe N, Puschhof J, Zitvogel L, Garrett WS, et al. Diet-microbiome interactions in cancer. Cancer Cell. 2025;43(6):987–1008. doi: 1016/j.ccell.2025.04.014.
  61. Adekunle A, Kaniyamattam K. Bovine Respiratory Disease: Epidemiological Drivers, Transmission Dynamics, and Economic Implications in Beef Production Systems. Agriculture. 2026 Jan 27;16(3):311.
  62. Dargenio VN, Sgarro N, La Grasta G, Begucci M, De Santis S, De Filippo G, et al. Hidden hunger in pediatric obesity: Redefining malnutrition through macronutrient quality and micronutrient deficiency. Nutrients. 2025;17(22):3601. doi: 3390/nu17223601.
  63. Bukari Z, Emmanuel T, Woodward J, Ricke SC, Renter DG, Varga C, et al. The global challenge of Campylobacter: Antimicrobial resistance and emerging intervention strategies. Trop Med Infect Dis. 2025;10(1):25. doi: 3390/tropicalmed10010025.
  64. Touaitia R, Ibrahim NA, Touati A, Idres T. Staphylococcus aureus in bovine mastitis: A narrative review of prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and advances in detection strategies. Antibiotics (Basel). 2025;14(8):810. doi: 3390/antibiotics14080810.
  65. Choudhary RK, BV SK, Sharma A, Kumar R, Singh P, Meena RK, et al. Animal wellness: The power of multiomics and integrative strategies: Multiomics in improving animal health. Vet Med Int. 2024;2024:4125118. doi: 1155/2024/4125118.
Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 16
Issue 02
Received 12/02/2026
Accepted 23/05/2026
Published 04/08/2026
Publication Time 173 Days

Login

My IP

PlumX Metrics