[Effect of antibody-containing egg powder on development of active immunity in calves]

Investigations on the influence of an egg powder containing antibodies was conducted on 15 young calves to measure the development of an active immune response. The product investigated, Globigen 88 (Lohmann Animal Health GmbH & Co. KG), was mixed with a milk replacer and administered to a group of 5 calves over 8 days twice a day. In addition, two control groups were established each consisting of 5 calves. The first group received the corresponding amount of egg powder without antibodies and the second group received exclusively milk replacer. In all groups serum antibody content was measured over 22 days. The average antibody content was decreased in the serum of the test groups. Avian immunoglobulins were not detectable. The development of active immunity in calves was not hindered. Furthermore a significant daily increase in weight was observed in test groups.