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Abstract

The present invention relates to a product and process for assuring the transfer of adequate passive immunity to newborn domestic animals. Immunologically active immunoglobulins are extracted from the whey byproduct of dairy manufacturing by using ultrafiltration techniques to separate the large immuoglobulin molecules from the whey. The ultrafiltration retentate is dried to produce a filtered product having a high concentration of immunoglobulins. The dry filtered product is assayed to verify the immunological activity of the product and to measure the distribution and concentration of pathogen specific antibodies. The dry filtered product is stored. Subsequently, a dose of the product containing at least a minimum weight ratio of immunologically active Ig is fed to the newborn animal to transfer passive immunity. Ion exchange techniques can be combined with ultrafiltration techniques to significantly increase the Ig concentration in the ultimate product while simultanously reducing the net cost of producing the product. They whey-derived product may also be used on a continuous basis as a food supplement for an animal to enable the immunologically active immunoglobulin molecules in the product to attack pathogens present in the digestive system of the animal.

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First Claim