Clinical results obtained in cattle and swine by means of biological immunostimulators1

Abstract

The conditioned infections due to opportunistic organisms, can be controlled by biological immunostimulators. The POLI-IF (Newcastle virus plus endotoxin of E. coli and Freund's incomplete adjuvant) rapidly induces the aspecific immunity. Given twice with 7-10 days interval in between, on occasion of a programmed stress (weaning, transport, crowding) it proved its efficacy in artificially suckled calves and in weaning piglets. The field trials, carried out on 2,782 treated calves in comparison with 2,909 untreated controls and on 4,387 piglets in comparison with 4,461 untreated controls, revealed statistically significant differences for P less than 0.005 among the groups of treated and control animals. The immunostimulator reduced the incidence of the disease, dead and discarded animals, as well as it shortened the mean duration of the disease in single heads. Though the way the POLI-IF acts is not perfectly known so far, yet it increases the serum bactericidal activity and the circulating leukocytes, while it induces high levels of IFN. In our opinion the activity of the POLI-IF is bound to 3 factors at least: activation of the complementary fractions, mobilization of the immunocompetent cells, induction of IFN.

Alternatives to conventional antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of commonly occurring diseases in feedlot cattle

“…POLI‐IF® is a combined immunostimulant, which includes inactivated Newcastle virus and E. coli endotoxin. A large commercial field trial 138 (2782 treated calves and 2909 untreated controls) with the immunostimulant given twice at a seven to ten d interval in intensively reared calves subjected to the stresses of weaning, transport and crowding, showing a reduction in morbidity, mortality and culls from all causes. This study 138 notwithstanding, there is a lack of large commercial studies on the efficacy of pox virus‐based immunostimulants and those products with some supporting evidence warrant further field studies.…”

Prevention of transport stress in the realization of the adaptive potential of pigs

“…In such conditions, if it is impossible to exclude the action of stress factors, the primary task is to increase the adaptive capacity and resistance of pig organism [9]. An important role in such a case belongs to the immune system, stimulating which, it is possible to minimize the negative consequences of exposure to stress factors [10]. But, unfortunately, the modern veterinary pharmaceutical market doesn't offer effective means that increase the adaptive ability of pigs, the use of which would be economically feasible [11].…”

Comparative Evaluation of Specific Vaccines and Immuno‐Modulators in Disease Control of Beef Cattle

“…Besides, an effective immunization is severely hampered by maternally-derived antibody and by the afore-mentioned stressing environmental conditions. An alternative approach is the use of immuno-modulators during the critical phases of fattening and finishing cycles, when the immuno-depression is highest (20,30). In fact, U.S.…”