Effect of active egg white product on neutrophil function in weanling piglets.

The effect of oral administration of an active egg white product (AEWP) on neutrophil function in weanling piglets was investigated. The peripheral blood neutrophils of piglets receiving single doses of 20 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg displayed increased phagocytic activity for latex particles from 1 day after administration. This increased phagocytic activity persisted for 5 days in the 100 mg/kg group. Piglets receiving a dose of 30 mg/kg/day for a week displayed increased neutrophil phagocytic activity throughout the administration period. Moreover, when the administration of AEWP was resumed 10 days after withdrawal, neutrophil phagocytic activity rapidly increased again. Thus, AEWP enhanced the nonspecific phagocytic activity of neutrophils when given to piglets by the oral route.