[Preventive and metaphylactic use of Alga and Algalev in diarrheal and respiratory syndromes]

Two gammaglobulin preparations have been developed: Alga (10% injection solution of serum bovine gamma-globulin and albumin) and Algalev (with addition of levamisole 10 mg/ml, patented under PV 4069/87); their administration to calves in field conditions was evaluated. The Alga preparation at a rate of 1 ml/kg liveweight (two administrations) had good preventive effects in the diarrhoeic syndrome of new-born hypogammaglobulinaemic calves. In comparison with the untreated calves, these parameters were determined: lower incidence of diarrhoea (41% against 75%; Tab. I), its later onset (by 24 hours), shorter duration (by 50 hours; P < 0.01), lower intensity and easier therapeutical handling (Tab. II). The Algalev preparation (two administrations at a rate of 1 ml/kg liveweight) was suitable for metaphylactic use (combined with antibiotic application) in the respiration syndrome of calves. In comparison with the untreated calves, these parameters were determined: lower incidence of this disorder (42% against 78%), lower intensity of clinical symptoms (intensive symptoms in 20% of the calves against 72%) and importantly higher daily weight gains (0.64 kg against 0.26 kg; Fig. 3). The concentrations of total serum Ig (CS-Ig), serum proteins (SB) and serum albumin (S-Alb) were similar in the compared groups of calves in the whole period of observation (Fig. 1). Certain differences were observed in the dynamics of anti-PI 3 titre of serum antibodies as shown by investigation of specific serum antibodies (Fig. 2); the level of their production was in agreement with morbidity incidence and clinical symptom intensity in both groups of calves.