TRANSFER OF PASSIVE IMMUNITY TO NEONATES BY ADMINISTRATION OFIMMUNOLOGICALLY ACTIVE IMMUNOGLOBULIN

摘要

A dry, immunologically active filtered product is produced through the controlled one or two stage ultrafiltration of liquid whey containing immunologically active immunoglobulin (Ig). When a predetermined quantity of the filtered product with an active Ig concentration of at least about seven percent of total solids is fed to newborn calves, the product functions as a substitute for natural colostrum, providing both temporary passive immunity as well as initiation of the active immune system of the animal. Disease resistance and growth rate in animals including humans is enhanced by oral administration of the filtered product. The immunological properties of the filtered product result from the presence of substantially enhanced concentrations of active Ig as well as other immunologically ineffective concentrations of these materials in the liquid whey ultrafiltration feedstock.