Calf Talk

December, 2008

Volume 14, No. 12

IMMUNOBOOST AS A TREATMENT FOR RESPIRATORY DISEASE

By: Russ Schnepper, DVM

Immunoboost is a very effective treatment for respiratory infection. It’s sister product Equimune IV, is licensed to treat respiratory disease in horses. Settle is also a sister product that is licensed to treat endometritis in mares. As we are losing some of the cephalsporins like Excenel for use in the veal calf, Immunoboost is a very promising product. Immunoboost can be given to a veal calf that is just days from slaughter and not have a residue problem. Immunoboost is effective if given intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intravenously. I would treat a veal calf intravenously at 1ml/200 pounds of body weight. One injection is effective for seven days. A calf that is close to slaughter may have loss due to trim if the Immunoboost is given in the muscle. An intravenous injection produces no trim loss.

Immunoboost is being used on incoming feeder cattle in feedlot settings. Immunoboost has decreased the number of pulls (calves that have to be retreated). Immunoboost used as prevention on arrival has reduced the number of sick calves and hence increased the rate of gain in the early feeding period.

Immunoboost contains fractionated cell wall components from non-pathogenic bacteria. Immunoboost does not contain live bacteria, only cell wall components from the bacteria which can stimulate the immune system.

Mechanism of Action: (This paragraph is to show some of the complexities of how the immune system interacts with Immunoboost.) Immunoboost provides a non-specific immune stimulation primarily through activation of the cell mediated immune response. Cell mediated immunity and T-cells are essential for protection against intracellular bacteria, viruses and virus infected cells. Briefly summarized, the fractionated cell walls from Immunoboost are taken up by macrophages (a white blood cell), the initial step toward immune stimulation. The macrophages (antigen presenting cells) then interact with T-cells through major histocompatability complex-1 (MHC-1) and MHC-II complexes associated with antigen on their membrane. Interactions between the T-cells and macrophages will result in the macrophages producing Interleukin-1 (IL-1). Interleukin-1 activates T-cells, causes fever through dendritic cells and acts on T (helper) cells which then will produce Interleukin-2 (IL-2) IL-2 will act on T (effector) cells to multiply and produce cytotoxic T-cells. Interferons (IFN) are a family of glycoproteins synthesized by cells in a response to virus infection. All IFN have the ability to inhibit virus replication by interfering with viral RNA and protein synthesis. IFN-y is produced by lymphocytes T-cells after exposure to IL-2. It is responsible for inhibiting viral replication in infected cells and stimulates MHC expression in anntigen presenting cells. IL-2 also has an effect on B-cells, thereby an indirect effect on stimulating antibody production.

Organic producers are using Immunoboost for most infectious conditions. There are no resistance concerns. There are no contra-indications for the use of Immunoboost with antibiotics or vaccines. In fact, Immunostimulants can act synergistically with both.

Contact information for ordering information and questions about our products:

Schnepper International, Inc.

3210 County B, Platteville, WI 53818

608-348-6141, Fax: 608-348-6146