Animal husbandry – Miscellaneous
Reexamination Certificate
2002-06-27
2004-05-04
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Animal husbandry
Miscellaneous
C426S002000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06729265
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method for supplementing antibodies into the circulating system of a newborn. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for supplementing new or adding additional titer of antibody into the circulating system in a newborn by feeding antibody to the newborn within the first few days of its life.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In certain species, antibodies are transferred to the fetus inutero through the placenta or to the developing embryo through the yolk sac. In other species, such transfer does not occur. This is compensated for, usually, by post partum ingestion of high antibody concentration from colostrum. Horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and dogs, among many others, are species in which passive immunity in the newborn is acquired by way of the colostrum. Antibodies from the colostrum are absorbed through the intestinal tract of the newborn, in most cases during the first 24 hours of life only. Because it is essential that the newborn animal receive all the passive immunity available to protect it during early life, efforts should be made to provide the necessary colostrum as soon as possible after birth; antibodies are absorbed at a decreasing rate even during the first 24 hours. The newborn animal is subject to infection until the antibodies are absorbed.
Of primary concern for a mammal at birth is whether it receives a sufficient amount of colostrum. Colostrum is the mammal's first milk and contains a high concentration of immunoglobulins (antibodies). These antibodies are used to protect the animal from disease and infection. Prior to lactation the mammal secretes colostrum during the first 24-48 hours following birth. The nursing mammal acquires the protective antibodies through the colostrum. This process is known as passive transfer. Passive transfer of antibodies and immune factors in colostrum helps compensate for the nursing newborn's immature immune system and provides the nursing animal with immunity to many serious bacteria and viruses.
Gastrointestinal tract absorption of colostrum begins to decrease after 12 hours, with minimal absorption occurring 24 hours after birth. It is therefore essential that an animal receive colostrum during this time initial 12-24 hours.
Lack of passive immunity during the early stages of life can be seen in the case of orphaned animals. In equine, for example, when a foal is orphaned and does not receive colostrum during the first 24 hours, 2-4 liters of blood plasma may be administered intravenously to supply the needed antibodies. Without either colostrum or plasma, however, foals will have insufficient antibody protection and will most likely succumb to infection. This is known as “failure of passive transfer” (FPT).
In non mammalian animal species such as avians, reptiles, fish and amphibians, passive transfer of antibody occurs through the egg yolk. Exposure of the mother to various antigens (eg. bacteria and viruses) will determine what antibodies will collect in the egg yolk and be available to the hatchling. Like colostrum, antibodies that are gained through passive transfer in the egg yolk are generally short lived because the transferred antibodies survive in the circulation for only a few weeks before they are degraded and removed. This does not minimize their importance to the animal since these passively transferred antibodies are protective in nature until the animal's immune system matures sufficiently to provide its own protection.
Similar to mammals, antibodies have been injected into young avians, and even into the yolk of an egg and have been successful in improving the antibody levels and profile. To date, however, no evidence can be found to suggest any success by feeding antibodies to non-nursing neonates or non mammalian species for the purpose of supplementing circulating antibody titer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect the invention is directed to a method for supplementing an antibody into the circulating system of a hatchling, the method comprising feeding an egg product to said hatchling within the first 24 hour period after the hatchling is hatched.
In a second aspect the invention is directed to a method for increasing the titer of an antibody in the circulating system of a hatchling, the method comprising feeding an egg product to said hatchling within the first 24 hour period after the hatchling is hatched.
In an additional aspect the invention is directed to a method for generating systemic immunity in a hatchling, the method comprising feeding an egg product to said hatchling within the first 24 hour period after the hatchling is hatched.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions
The term “hyperimmunization” means exposure to one or more antigens such that an immune response is elevated and maintained above the natural unexposed state.
The terms “egg” or “egg product” each mean any whole egg (table, hyperinmunized or otherwise) or any product or fraction derived therefrom.
The terms “hyperimmune egg” or “hyperimmune egg product” each mean whole egg or any product or fraction derived therefrom, obtained from an egg producing animal maintained in a hyperimmune state.
The term “hatchling” refers to any animal that has recently been hatched from an egg.
The term “circulating system” refers to any of serum, plasma, tissues, marrow or organs of an animal.
The term “non-nursing animal” refers to any animal not currently acquiring antibody in its circulating system by directly ingesting milk or colostrum from a maternal animal of the same species.
The term “immunogen” means a substance that is able to induce a humoral antibody and/or cell-mediated immune response rather than immunological tolerance. The term signifies the ability to stimulate an immune response as well as react with the products of it, e.g., antibody.
The term “animal” means the animal kingdom definition.
The Invention
It is our finding that when hatchlings less than 24 hours post-hatch are fed, orally, a preparation of concentrated egg yolk, antibody originating from the egg yolk can be found in the circulating system of these birds. It is theorized that the antibody preparation can originate from any source and fed to an animal soon after birth to supplement antibody in the circulating system of such animal. It is preferred that the antibody be obtained from an egg or from milk of an animal that has been hyperimmunized with at least one antigen. It is alternately preferred that the antibody be purified, synthesized via fermentation or concentrated from egg or milk and fed to hatchlings, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish or any other animal developing outside the mother animal during the first 12-24 hours post hatch or after birth.
As it is clear that circulating antibodies can be found in the serum of newly hatched hatchlings as result of passive immunity from egg yolk provided by the mother. It is the inventor's position that the oral feeding of antibodies during the early stages of life can be used to further supplement the systemic immunity obtained from the egg yolk. As a result it is possible to add to the length of time that systemic immunity can be generated in a hatchling post hatch and supplement additional antibodies that the mother may not have provided. The half-life of maternal antibody is defined as the time required for half of the antibody present in the circulation to be depleted. If the total amount of specific antibody in the circulation can be increased by feeding, then it follows that when the first half-life depletion occurs, there is more antibody remaining to perform its protective function than would be found if no supplemental antibody were provided to the circulation of the neonate.
The supplemented antibody can be used in a variety of ways. For example, supplemented antibody may be used to add to the titer of an antibody already circulating. On the other hand, the supplemented antibody may be used to provide antibody that is not present in the circulation. Supplemented antibody can further be used to desig
Confer Leslie A.
Hunchar Jeffrey G.
Somerville Kevin C.
Arkion Life Sciences LLC
Jordan Charles T.
Nelson Judith A.
RatnerPrestia
LandOfFree
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