PREVENTIVE AND METAPHYLACTIC ADMINISTRATI ON OF ALGA AND ALGALEV PREPARATIONS IN DIARRHEIC AND OR RESPIRATION SYNDROME

Two gammaglobulin preparations have been developed: Alga (10% injectio n solution of serum bovine gamma-globulin and albumin) and Algalev (wi th addition of levamisole 10 mg/ml, patented under PV 4069/87); their administration to calves in field conditions was evaluated. The Alga p reparation at a rate of 1 ml/kg liveweight (two administrations) had g ood preventive effects in the diarrhoeic syndrome of new-born hypogamm aglobulinaemic 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 an tibiotic application) in the respiration syndrome of calves. In compar ison with the untreated calves, these parameters were determined: lowe r incidence of this disorder (42 % against 78 %), lower intensity of c linical 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 differenc es were observed in the dynamics of anti-PI 3 titre of serum antibodie s as shown by investigation of specific serum antibodies (Fig. 2); the level of their production was in agreement with morbidity incidence a nd clinical symptom intensity in both groups of calves.