title: Effect of low dose natural human interferon alpha given into the oral cavity on the recovery time and death loss in feedlot hospital pen cattle: a field study.
abstract: A total of 4577 feeder cattle were treated with a single oral dose of 33.0 international units (IU) of natural human interferon alpha (nHuIFN-alpha) per 100 pounds body weight, upon entry into the feedlot hospital pen. Another 2494 cattle received diluent alone and served as placebo controls. Cattle were evaluated on the number of treatment days required until the animals could be returned to the feedlot, and the death loss of cattle in the hospital pens. The mean number of days of treatment for control animals (3.9 days) was greater than in cattle treated with nHuIFN-alpha (3.1 days). Mortality of placebo-treated animals was 5.9% versus 3.6% (P < 0.001). These data suggest that oral low dose nHuIFN-alpha is of benefit in reduction of feedlot-associated morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Amarillo Cell Culture Co. Inc., TX 79109.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Georgiades
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D016898:Interferon-alpha