Immunogen adherence and method of making and using same

Abstract

A microbial adherence inhibitor in the form of fowl egg antibodies is disclosed, along with the method of making it and methods of using it. The inhibitor functions by substantially preventing the attachment of adherence of colony-forming immunogens in the respiratory tracts of host animals and humans. The inhibitor is made by inoculating female birds with the immunogen, harvesting the eggs which contain antibodies to the immunogen, and separating the yolk and albumin from the shells of the eggs. The yolk and albumin contents are administered to animals or human by distributing the contents directly or introducing the contents entrained in air.

Claims

1. An intranasal composition comprising an egg mixture for administration to animals, the egg mixture comprising whole egg contents, food grade Vitamin E and one or more preservatives and/or carrier, wherein the whole egg contents are separated from the egg shells and are from eggs laid by female birds inoculated with an organism mixture comprising one or more microbial organisms causing respiratory illnesses, wherein the whole egg contents comprise adherence inhibiting material against the one or more microbial organisms that inhibits the ability of the one or more microbial organisms to adhere to the mucus membranes and bronchi and alveolar cells and multiply in the respiratory tract of the animals, wherein the composition is formulated for nasal administration, wherein the carrier and/or a preservative is selected from PBS buffer, molasses, soy oil, DMSO, vanilla, potassium sorbate, sodium citrate and combinations thereof.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises water.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises carrier material selected from soybean oil, distilled dried grains, beet pulp and/or combinations thereof.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more organisms are bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more organisms that the female birds are inoculated with are selected from Pasteurella Haemolytica, Pasteurella Multicoda, Haemophilus somnus, Haemophilus parasus and Haemophilus suis and combinations thereof.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more organisms is selected from swine influenza virus, H.sub.1N.sub.1, H.sub.5N.sub.1, H.sub.3N.sub.2, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis, 1 and 5, BRSV and PI.sub.3, porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSv), Bovine adenovirus 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and combinations thereof.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises microbial adherence inhibitor against two to five microbial organisms.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the egg contents are from eggs laid by female birds inoculated with one microbial organism.

9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the egg contents are from eggs laid by female birds inoculated with multiple microbial organisms.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the egg contents are from eggs laid be female birds inoculated with the same organism or organisms.

11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the egg contents are from eggs laid be female birds inoculated with different organism or organisms.

12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the animals are selected from bovine, swine, poultry, zoological animals, companion animals or other farm animals.

13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the animals are humans.

14. The composition of claim 1, wherein at least about 35% of the composition is the whole egg contents.

15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the whole egg contents are less than about 60% of the composition.

Description

(1) The invention is further illustrated by the following examples:

EXAMPLE 1

(2) Selection of Egg Laying Avian Hens

(3) The strain of egg laying hen may vary with needs and uses. Any egg laying fowl hens may be immunized including chickens, turkeys, ducks, goose, pigeon, quail, ostrich, emus or any other fowl. The common strains of egg laying chickens are the preferred and are usually selected for the number of eggs laid per year, size of egg and ease of housing. Rhode Island Red, White Leghorn, and Red Sex Linked hybrids are the animals of choice based on egg size (large to ex-large, 50-65 gm) and were used for the immunization schedules. The ease of handling the animals and the size and uniformity of the eggs along with the number of eggs laid per hen per year were observed. Although any avian egg laying hen could be used, for cost and ease of use these chickens proved to work the best. The White Leghorn, W98 Hybrid gave the most uniformity and greater number of eggs per animal. These animals produce a large to extra-large grade of egg (50-65 gm) and up to 300 eggs a year per hen.

EXAMPLE 2

(4) Preparation of PM Antigen for Immunogen

(5) Pasteurella Multicoda (ATCC 15743) was used as a model bacteria. The organism was isolated from cattle. The ATCC method for rehydration of the stock was followed. The bacteria are re-hydrated in 1.0 ml of TSB. Brain Heart Infusion (BHI, Acumedia) is used to stimulate the PM antigens on the bacterium. Stock TSB is inoculated into BHI Broth and incubated at 37.degree. C. for 18-24 hours. This stimulates somatic and attachment antigens development on the bacteria. Flasks containing BHI Broth are inoculated with the BHI Broth culture. While stirring slowly, flasks are incubated at 37.degree. C. Blood agar plates are streaked for isolation of colonies to confirm the morphology. Good growth is seen after 22 hours. Flasks are combined and the material is harvested using centrifugation and sterile saline (0.9%) at approximately 3000 rpm for 30 minutes. The harvest is collected in tubes. Density is checked using spectrophotometer enumeration and McFarland nephelometer standards. The material is diluted to approximately 1.times.10.sup.9 per ml. Four percent (4%) sodium deoxycholate (Difco) solution is added as a 1:1 ration with culture in 0.9% sterile saline (Herzberg, 1972) and stirred for approximately 18 hours at room temperature (22.degree. to 24.degree. C.). The material is centrifuged to remove whole cells. Supernatant is used as stock for PM antigen. Dry weight is determined at approximately 14.9 mg/ml. The product is diluted in sterile PBS, pH 7.4 to 1 mg/ml for PM Immunogen.

EXAMPLE 3

(6) Preparation of PH Antigen for Immunogen

(7) Use stock P. Haemolytica (ATCC 14000) as stock for PH antigen. The organism was isolated from cattle. The ATCC method for rehydration of the stock was followed. The bacteria are re-hydrated in 1.0 ml of TSB. Brain Heart Infusion (BHI, Acumedia) is used to stimulate the PM antigens on the bacterium. Stock TSB is inoculated into BHI Broth and incubated at 37.degree. C. for 18-24 hours. This stimulates somatic and attachment antigens development on the bacteria. Flasks containing BHI Broth are inoculated with the BHI Broth culture. While stirring slowly, flasks are incubated at 37.degree. C. Good growth is seen after 22 hours. Blood agar plates are streaked for isolation of colonies to confirm the morphology. Flasks are combined and the material is harvested using centrifugation and sterile saline (0.9%) at approximately 3000 rpm for 30 minutes. The harvest is collected in tubes. Density is checked using spectrophotometer enumeration and McFarland nephelometer standards. The material is diluted to approximately 1.times.10.sup.9 per ml. Four percent (4%) sodium deoxycholate (Difco) solution is added as a 1:1 ration with culture in 0.9% sterile saline (Herzberg, 1972) and stirred for approximately 18 hours at room temperature (22.degree. to 24.degree. C.). The material is centrifuged to remove whole cells. Supernatant is used as stock for PH antigen. Dry weight is determined. The product is diluted in sterile PBS, pH 7.4 to 1 mg/ml for PH Immunogen.

EXAMPLE 4

(8) Preparation of HS Antigen for Immunogen

(9) Stock Haemophilus sommus (ATCC 43626) can be used as stock bacterial culture for HS antigen. The organism was isolated from cattle. The ATCC method for rehydration of the stock was followed. The bacteria are re-hydrated in 1.0 ml of TSB. ATCC medium: 814 GC Medium is used to stimulate the HS antigens on the bacterium. Stock TSB is inoculated into 814 GC Medium and incubated at 37.degree. C. and 5% CO.sub.2 for 18-24 hours. This stimulates somatic and attachment antigens development on the bacteria. Good growth is seen after 22-48 hours. Blood agar plates are streaked for isolation of colonies to confirm the morphology. Flasks are combined and the material is harvested using centrifugation and sterile saline (0.9%) at approximately 3000 rpm for 30 minutes. The harvest is collected in tubes. Density is checked using spectrophotometer enumeration and McFarland nephelometer standards. The material is diluted to approximately 1.times.10.sup.9 per ml. Four percent (4%) sodium deoxycholate (Difco) solution is added as a 1:1 ration with culture in 0.9% sterile saline (Herzberg, 1972) and stirred for approximately 18 hours at room temperature (22.degree. to 24.degree. C.). The material is centrifuged to remove whole cells. Supernatant is used as stock for HS antigen. Dry weight is determined. The product is diluted in sterile PBS, pH 7.4 to 1 mg/ml for HS Immunogen.

EXAMPLE 5

(10) Preparation of HSa Antigen for Immunogen

(11) Use stock Haemophilus suis (ATCC 19417, H. parasuis) as stock for HSa antigen. The organism was isolated from swine. The ATCC method for rehydration of the stock was followed. The bacteria are re-hydrated in 1.0 ml of TSB. ATCC Medium 5129: Haemophilus Test Medium is used to stimulate the HSa antigens on the bacterium. Stock TSB is inoculated into #5129 Broth and incubated at 37.degree. C. for 24-48 hours. This stimulates somatic and attachment antigens development on the bacteria. Flasks containing #5129 Broth or plates containing #814 Medium are inoculated with Stock Broth culture. Flasks are incubated at 37.degree. C. and 5% CO.sub.2. Good growth is seen after 48 hours. Blood agar plates are streaked for isolation of colonies to confirm the morphology. Flasks are combined and the material is harvested using centrifugation and sterile saline (0.9%) at approximately 3000 rpm for 30 minutes. The harvest is collected in tubes. Density is checked using spectrophotometer enumeration and McFarland nephelometer standards. The material is diluted to approximately 1.times.10.sup.9 per ml. Four percent (4%) sodium deoxycholate (Difco) solution is added as a 1:1 ration with culture in 0.9% sterile saline (Herzberg, 1972) and stirred for approximately 18 hours at room temperature (22.degree. to 24.degree. C.). The material is centrifuged to remove whole cells. Supernatant is used as stock for HSa antigen. Dry weight is determined. The product is diluted in sterile PBS, pH 7.4 to 1 mg/ml for HSa Immunogen.

EXAMPLE 6

(12) Preparation of ELISA Plates Using PH, PM, HS and HSa Antigens for Monitoring Antibodies in Eggs Chickens and Feed

(13) PH, PM, HS and HSa ELISA: Ninety-six well assay plate (flat bottom Costar) were coated using 100 .mu.l/ml with various concentration of antigens (10 .mu.g-200 .mu.g/ml) in carbonate buffer, ph 9.6. Plates were incubated between 22.degree. to 37.degree. C. for up to 18 hours. The wells were aspirated to prevent cross-contamination. The plates were blocked with 390 .mu.l/well of 0.5% BSA and incubated at 37.degree. C. for 1 hour. Plates were coated using alternative rows of positive or negative for controls. Plates were rinsed one time with wash buffer containing Tween 20. One hundred microliters per well of diluted sample are added to wells in duplicate wells, and incubated at 37.degree. C. for one hour. Goat anti-chicken IgG conjugate with Horseradish peroxidase (Kirkegard and Perry Laboratories; 1:1000 to 1:3000) was added. After one hour incubation, the substrate (TMB, KPL) was added according to manufacturer's instructions and the reaction is stopped after 10 minutes with 0.1 M phosphoric acid. Optical densities of the wells were determined in Dynatech ELISA Reader at 450 nm and the information was recorded for further data analysis.

EXAMPLE 7

(14) Analysis of Individual Eggs and Serum Over Time

(15) Eggs were selected at various periods in the immunization period for monitoring antibody responses to the specific antigens. Selected chickens were monitored at day 0 and continued on a monthly basis after the fourth month. The whole egg was collected from the shell and then a 1 ml sample was taken. This sample was then extracted with buffer to analyze the antibody content. The standard ELISA's for the PH, PM, HS and HSa immunogens were used for analysis. The negative readings were subtracted from the OD readings.

EXAMPLE 8

(16) Immunization of Chicken with PH Immunogen

(17) Selected egg laying hens, White Leghoms, approximately 19 weeks old were injected with the stock PH immunogen. Four injections (500 .mu.g, 100 .mu.g, 200 .mu.g, and 250 .mu.g) were given one week apart. A serum sample was collected two weeks after the last initial injection. If boosters were needed, 100 .mu.g was given in each booster (every six months). Within four weeks, all hens produced excellent antibodies in the eggs. EILSA PH readings averaged 1.00 OD for 1:10,000 dilution and 0.265 OD for 1:50,000.

EXAMPLE 9

(18) Immunization of Chicken with PM Immunogen

(19) Selected egg laying hens, White Leghoms, approximately 19 weeks old were injected with the stock PM Immunogen. Four injections (500 .mu.g, 100 .mu.g, 200 .mu.g and 250 .mu.g) were given one week apart. A serum sample was collected two weeks after the last initial injection. If boosters were needed, 100 .mu.g was given in each booster (every six months). Within four weeks, all of the hens produced excellent antibodies in the eggs. EILSA PM readings averaged 1.42 OD for 1:10,000 dilution an 0.68 OD for 1:50,000.

EXAMPLE 10

(20) Immunization of Chicken with HS Immunogen

(21) Selected egg laying hens, White Leghoms, approximately 19 weeks old were injected with the stock HS Immunogen. Four injections (500 .mu.g, 100 .mu.g, 200 .mu.g and 250 .mu.g) were given one week apart. A serum sample was collected two weeks after the last initial injection. If boosters were needed, 100 .mu.g was given in each booster (every six months). Within four weeks, all hens produced excellent antibodies in the eggs. EILSA HS readings averaged 0.95 OD for 1:10,000 dilution an 0.250 OD for 1:50,000.

EXAMPLE 11

(22) Immunization of Chicken with HSa Immunogen

(23) Selected egg laying hens, White Leghoms, approximately 19 weeks old were injected with the stock HS Immunogen. Four injections (500 .mu.g, 100 .mu.g, 200 .mu.g and 250 .mu.g) were given one week apart. A serum sample was collected two weeks after the last initial injection. If boosters were needed, 100 .mu.g was given in each booster (every six months). Within four weeks, all hens produced excellent antibodies in the eggs. EILSA HSa readings averaged 1.40 OD for 1:10,000 dilution an 0.576 OD for 1:50,000.

EXAMPLE 12

(24) Preparation of Stock Production Whole Egg Reagents

(25) Selected hens were combined from all four immunogen groups to be used to produce production batches of whole egg reagents. Sterling (U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,228) presents and excellent review of uses for the selection of eggs and storage of the same. The eggs were randomized and shell removed. The whole egg is mixed well and pasteurized using standard conditions (60.degree. C. (140.degree. F.) for 3.5 minutes) Charley, H. and C. Weaver, 3.sup.rd Edition, Foods: a scientific approach, Merril-Prentice Hall, p. 350, 1998). Once pasteurized, samples were tested for activity and store at 4.degree. C. until dried or sprayed onto carriers. Samples of 250 .mu.l were analyzed. Examples of results for ELISAs are given:

(26) Pasteurized Whole Egg: PM, PH, HS, HSa Mixtures

(27) 1 Immunogen Dilution O.D PM 500 0.532 PM 2500 0.113 PH 500 0.466 PH 2500 0.115 HS 500 0.338 HS 2500 0.128 HSa 500 0.588 HSa 2500 0.155

EXAMPLE 13

(28) Analysis of Feed Additives for Antibody Activity

(29) Samples of the material were collected from three batches. The samples were analyzed using the ELISA systems for PH, PM, HS and HSa immunogens to monitor activity after pasteurizing and storage. Good antibody response was recorded after the processing of the whole egg batches. Data from three batches from example 20 method of production is given in the table below:

(30) 2 Pasteurella Haemophilus Batch: Liquid Immunogen Signal/Noise Immunogen Signal/Noise Batch #1 0.347 5.32 0.111 2.68 Batch #2 0.188 2.92 0.175 2.93 Batch #3 0.272 2.98 0.138 1.91

EXAMPLE 14

(31) Testing on Feed Lot Cattle

(32) A group of 222 calves from 2 different sources were shipped to Idaho. 109 calves were processed on day 0 and 113 processed on day 2. All calves received normal vaccination and processing which includes antibiotics designed to reduce disease stress and to increase average daily gain and feed efficiency. Half of the group received the material by intranasal administration. Doses were directly injected into the nostril (1.5 cc/nostril: total 3 ml). The animals were tagged and monitored for 35 days. All calves were housed in the same pen. The Test group had N=111 and the Control group had N=111. The following was observed:

(33) 3 Controls (n=111) Test (n=111) Number Percent Number Percent Pulled to 20 18 7 6 Hospital Treated for 19 17 7 6 Respiratory Disease Deaths 3 3 0 0 Died from 2 2 0 0 Respiratory Disease Retreats 5 3

EXAMPLE 15

(34) Testing of Feed Lot Cattle

(35) A group of 165 sale barn calves were shipped in the middle of summer. Calves were processed on day 0 and on day 2. All calves received normal vaccination and processing which includes antibiotics designed to reduce disease stress and to increase average daily gain and feed efficiency. Half of the group received the material by Intranasal administration. Doses were directly injected into the nostril (1.5 cc/nostril: total 3 ml). The animals were tagged and monitored for 35 days. Test group had N=82 and the Control group had N=83. The following was observed: Controls (n=83) Test (n=82)

(36) 4 Controls (n=83) Test (n=82) Number Percent Number Percent Pulled to 36 47 24 28 Hospital Treated for 36 43 22 25 Respiratory Disease Deaths 9 5 Died from 8 4 Respiratory Disease Retreat 1 14 12 Treated 2 10 4 Treated 3 4 3 Treated 4 3 2 Treated 5 6 1 Treatment Cost $1,291.44 $ 796.51 Ave. Cost per $35.87 $ 30.64 Animal treated

EXAMPLE 16

(37) Testing of Feed Lot Cattle

(38) Two groups of calves were shipped to Idaho. 77 calves were processed on day 0 from the first group. Half of the groups were processed as Test (n=39) and other half as Control (n=38). The second group of 78 were processed the same on day 2. All calves received normal vaccination, wormer, implants, and processing which includes antibiotics designed to reduce disease stress and to increase average daily gain and feed efficiency. The Test group received the material by Intranasal administration. Doses were directly injected into the nostril (1.5 cc/nostril: total 3 ml). The animals were tagged and monitored for 35 days. The Test group animals that were pulled to the hospital received booster material along with normal treatment each time they went through the chute. The control cattle received only the normal treatment. The Test group had N=77 and the Control group had N=78. The following was observed:

(39) 5 Controls (n=78) Test (n=77) Number Percent Number Percent Pulled to 18 23 13 17 Hospital Treated for 18 23 13 17 Respiratory Disease Deaths 1 1 Died from 1 1 Respiratory Disease Retreat 1 6 5 Treated 2 7 5 Treated 3 3 3 Treated 4 2 0 RES Realizers 1 2 RES Deads 1 1 Death Rate 1.28 1.30 Treatment Cost $691.49 $478.59 Ave. Cost per $38.42 $ 36.81 Head Pulled Treatment $8.87 $6.22 Cost/Head in Pen

EXAMPLE 17

(40) Testing of Weaned Calves

(41) Four groups of calves were weaned at approximately 1000 to 2000 calves per week. The calves were processed as small groups. All calves received normal vaccination, wormer, implants, and processing which includes antibiotics designed to reduce disease stress and to increase average daily gain and feed efficiency. The groups all received the material by Intranasal administration. Doses were directly injected into the nostril (1.5 cc/nostril: total 3 ml). The animals were tagged and monitored for 22 days. The group animals that were pulled to the hospital received booster material along with normal treatment each time they went through the chute. Test group had N=5000. After 22 days only 50 animals had been pulled for respiratory problems.

EXAMPLE 18

(42) Testing Lick Tubs

(43) The manufacturing process for the lick tubs is very simple and straightforward. The manufacture of this example is done by adding prepared wet material and distillers condensed syrup to standard tubs to adjust the moisture content upward. We substituted dryer material and our liquid material to achieve the same moisture content as standard tubs that are currently being made to achieve a finished tub with similar properties.

(44) The Total Batch Manufactured Lick Tub Example Includes the Following Ingredients:

(45) 6 Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) 1170 pounds Corn Gluten Meal 1365 pounds Wet Distillers Grains (wet coke) 465 pounds Vitamin and Mineral premix 750 pounds Magnesium Oxide 600 pounds Mixed Antibody 540 liters Food grade Molasses 10 gallons Mold Inhibitor 6 pounds

(46) The DDGS, corn gluten meal, wet cake, mold inhibitor, premix and magnesium oxide are placed in a 5-ton mixer truck and mixed for 5 minutes. Then the material and Molasses are added. This is mixed for 30 minutes. The resulting material weighs approximately 5,630 pounds. This mixture is unloaded through a side discharge chute into twenty-eight 200-pound plastic tubs and then compressed into a solid material. The tubs are then cured for 48 hours into a very hard, bark brown product with a somewhat yeasty, sweet odor.

(47) In one trial, one tub was placed near the cattle in a pen of one hundred ninety-seven 600-pound steers. The cattle in the test feedlot were very interested in this material. They visit the tubs several times a day. Consumption was about 7.7 grams/head/day. It is anticipated that per head consumption would be somewhat higher if more tubs were placed in the pen.

EXAMPLE 19

(48) Development of Top Dressing

(49) One of the key preparations can be used for Top Dressing. Specific whole egg is collected from hens immunized with PH, PM, HS and HAs antigens in equal amounts for a total of 7-9 L. The whole egg material is added to 2 L of PBS, pH 7.4, 4.5 L of molasses, and 4 L of distilled water. This is mixed well and preservatives such as food grade vitamin E, vanilla, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and sodium citrate are added to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf-life. The total amount is 18 L. The mixture is stirred to get a homogenous solution. The mixture is then pasteurized in a Food Pasteurizer from The Schlueter Company. The material is cooled and stored at 4.degree. C. until used.

(50) This material is poured on top of the feed as needed. It usually is distributed once every 7 days for a total of three applications.

EXAMPLE 20

(51) Development of Material for Aerosol or Spray

(52) One of the key preparations can be used for Aerosol or spray. Specific whole egg is collected from hens immunized with PH, PM, HS and HAs antigens in equal amounts for a total of 10 L. The whole egg material is added to 6 L of PBS, pH 7.4 and 2 L of molasses. This is mixed well and preservatives such as food grade vitamin E, vanilla, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate and sodium citrate are added to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf-life. The total amount is 18 L. The mixture is stirred to get a homogenous solution. The mixture is then pasteurized. The material is cooled and stored at 4.degree. C. until used.

(53) This material is sprayed directly over the heads of the animals to form an aerosol. The material can also be poured into pressure guns such as squirt guns. Cowboys can carry these loaded guns out on the range or in the feedlot pens and deliver directly to the cattle as needed. The material can be sprayed directly on the nose of the individual animals as needed. This makes for a very versatile means of application out on the range. It usually is distributed once every 7 days for a total of three applications or as needed.

EXAMPLE 21

(54) Animal Testing of Swine

(55) A group of 77 feeder pigs approximately 60 lbs each were tested with material made in Example 20 for Top Dressing. The animals were given the material as a top dressing on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. The average losses on this farm over the last 5 years, due to respiratory complex, was 7.5% and over 30% were medicated during the first 21 days of placement in pens. During the test period of 62 days, all animals were in excellent condition and ahead of schedule with 0% losses and 0% medicated.

EXAMPLE 22

(56) Animal Testing of Swine

(57) A group of 80 feeder pigs approximately 50 lbs and considered the runts of the groups were tested with material made in Example 20 for Top Dressing. The animals were given the material as a top dressing on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. The average losses on this farm due to respiratory complex were 5% during the first 21 days and over 30% were medicated. These were the animals that had not done well in the past. This was the average for the farm over the last 5 years. During the test period of 55 days, all animals were in very good condition and ahead of schedule and better than in the past with 1.25% losses and 0% medicated.

(58) Any microorganism which colonizes the nasal pharyngeal region of the respiratory tract of its host must possess the capability of sticking or adhering to the surface of the mucus membranes in order to multiply. The respiratory pneumonia complex organisms such as Pasteurella multocida, M. haemolytica, Haemophilus somnus, Swine influenza viruses and Mycoplasma bacteria are no exception to the rule. Other microorganisms from the fungi and parasite groups are included in organisms that may cause respiratory problems in animals or humans. The adherence inhibitor of this invention strongly interferes with adherence and on a cumulative basis, thereby prevents the specific targeted microorganism from colonizing, and multiplying and moving down the respiratory tract and infecting the lower tract including the lungs. Through the vehicle of a simple nasal injection, spray, by top feed or lick tub, the product essentially supplies the host with specific antibody preparation designed not to cure any disease in the animal but merely to dislodge any resident microorganism and to prevent the attachment of any newly introduced microorganism in the upper respiratory tract. The adherence inhibitor has no direct effect on the host itself, is all natural, leaves absolutely no undesirable residue in the animals, and thus has no effect whatsoever on the ultimate food products. In addition, since the microorganism is prevented from multiplying, it will over time (for example 21-30 days) disappear through natural degradation from mucus of the animal, eliminating the significant potential source of contamination in the feedlot. Properly managed, the risk of cross contaminating other animals throughout the feedlot is lowered and essentially eliminated. Similar applications could be developed for companion animals, zoological animals or nonfood animals or humans. They too have respiratory problems.

(59) It is apparent that many modifications and variations of this invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The specific embodiments described are given by way of example only and the invention is limited only by the terms of the appended claims. The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed as follows.