[Protective effect of rhodanates in laboratory and farm animals]

Immunization with soluble or corpuscular antigens produces a rise in thiocyanate content of the blood of guinea-pigs, sheep, calves and fowls. Animal possessing a high thiocyanate concentration (2-3mg/100ml) usually have the highest antibody titres. Formation of humoral antibodies is increased by administration of thiocyanate during immunization, and there is significant correlation between thiocyanate concentration and antibody titre. In the intensive fattening of veal calves, the use of thiocyanate during the first 21 days of fattening has reduced mortality by up to 60%. Morbidity was halved during the 103 days of the fattening period. Illness was not only less common in the thiocyanate-treated group, but it was also milder. It is suggested that addition of thiocyanate to the food may also have a nutrient effect.