Effects of active egg white product on neutrophil function in calves.

The effects of an active egg white product (AEWP) on neutrophil function in calves were investigated. Calves were administered AEWP orally at doses of 250 mg and 500 mg/kg either once or twice, with an interval of 5 days between doses in the latter case. The peripheral blood neutrophils of calves receiving a single 500 mg/kg dose displayed increased nitroblue tetrazolium reducing activity and increased intracellular killing of Staphylococcus aureus from 1 day after administration, with maximum levels being attained on the 3rd day. However, no such increase of these activities was observed after administration of 250 mg/kg. Calves receiving two doses of 500 mg/kg displayed the same changes as seen in the corresponding one-dose group, while the neutrophil activity of calves receiving 250 mg/kg also increased after the second dose. However, no increase in the peripheral blood neutrophil count was observed after AEWP administration. Thus, AEWP enhanced the nonspecific antibacterial activity of neutrophils when given to calves by the oral route.