Immunomodulatory effect of the combined use of Vetosporin Zh probiotic and Gumi-malysh biologically active additive

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Various means and methods, including probiotics and biologically active additives, have been developed and proposed for production to increase the immunobiological reactivity of the body, regardless of the etiology of its decrease. This study aimed to find out the immune status of calves during the preweaning period in association with Vetosporin Zh, Normosil, and Gumi-malysh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research object was 30-day-old calves of black-and-white Holstein breed. The calves were divided into four groups of 20 heads each. The calves of the first, second, and third experimental groups were treated with Normosil probiotic, Vetosporin Zh probiotic, and Vetosporin Zh probiotic in combination with Gumi-malysh, respectively. The calves in the first, second, and third experimental groups were treated with Normosil probiotic, Vetosporin Zh probiotic, and Vetosporin Zh probiotic in combination with Gumi-malysh, respectively. RESULTS: On days 10 and 21 of the experiment, animal blood was collected to determine the content of total protein, protein fractions, immunoglobulins, T and B lymphocytes, phagocytic activity and a phagocytic number of neutrophils, and circulating immune complexes (CIC). The combined use of Vetosporin Zh probiotic (dose, 20 mL) with Gumi-malysh (dose, 30 mL) per animal for 30 days in 1-month-old calves contributes to the increase in the number of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels by 2.9%, 3.8%, and 0.96 and 2 g/L, respectively, while reducing the immunoglobulin M (IgM) level; an increase in the phagocytic activity of blood neutrophils and the phagocytic number by 7% and 1.8%, respectively, as well as a decrease in the CIC level with similar indicators in calves that were not treated with the agents. CONCLUSION: The method used in the current study helps increase the number of T and B lymphocytes, increase IgA and IgG levels while reducing IgM levels, and increase the phagocytic activity and a phagocytic number of blood neutrophils, as well as decrease the CIC level.