In a survey, conducted in 2018, Immunovet was found to enhance companion animals’ weight gain and to improve the quality of their fur and overall health.

In 2018, a total number of 60 dogs and cats were involved in a study, where they were fed with Immunovet for 8 weeks, while the owners were given a questionnaire to record the observed changes on their pets. They had to keep track of their pets’ body weight, appetite, fur quality, behavior, symptoms (if the animal had any illness at the beginning of the study) and the occurrence of side effects.

By the end of the study, dogs had a weight gain of 4% of their bodyweight, while this result was 6% among cats. Both groups had a 2 point improvement in their appetite: on a scale from 1 to 5, the average appetite raised from 2 to 4, which meant an enhanced appetite. Regarding their fur, the results were similar: the average quality improved from 3 to 5 (where 5 was the maximum score again). The most frequently observed behavioral change was the animals becoming more active. Many owners recorded an improvement in their pets’ symptoms such as hair loss, scratching and otitis. Only 6% of the animals had a mild gastrointestinal disorder (vomiting or diarrhea) during the feeding period, but the other 94% had no side effect at all.

The background of the observed changes is the complex effect of Immunovet, which involves antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immune system strengthening capability. Similar results were obtained from earlier studies conducted with farm animals. Based on the experiences, Immunovet can be used safely for improving our companion animals’ general status.

Reference: Kishen Parekh, 2018: The Effects of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract on the Condition and General Status in Companion Animals. Thesis. University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Our horses’ health, and consequently their reproduction and sport capacity can be damaged several times during their life due to internal and external factors. Suckling and weaning foals are both highly susceptible to diseases, the former because of their immature immune systems, while the latter because of stress factors that occur around weaning time. The greatest challenge for racing horses is the regeneration after physical activities, while for breeding mares and stallions it is their reproduction performance. Besides appropriate housing and feeding conditions, there’s a raising need for feed supplements that can help preventing health problems and reducing consumption of pharmaceuticals in the herd.

In a feeding study in 2005, Immunovet’s effect was investigated on the health status of foals (suckling and weaning) and adult horses (racing and breeding). The results were outstanding in suckling foals: less than half of them got ill in the Immunovet group compared to the control, and their diseases were milder and less likely to recur. Based on these promising findings, all foals received Immuovet before weaning time, which resulted in none of them getting ill in this stressful period, furthermore, they didn’t even lose weight during weaning. For comparison, in the previous year, when they weren’t fed with Immunovet, nearly all weaning foals had to be treated against some diseases.

Blood tests of the horses revealed, that Immunovet group had lower lactate and higher lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH, the enzyme responsible for conversion of lactate) levels. Lactate is most frequently produced in muscle cells during intensive physical activity, when anaerobic conditions occur, therefor it has huge importance in racing horses. Based on the blood tests, it was concluded, that Immunovet group could produce energy more effectively (ratio of lactate producing anaerobic processes were lower) and that they were capable of quicker regeneration (conversion of lactate is more efficient with more LDH). Besides regeneration capacity, well-controlled lactate level is of high importance for the body’s acid-base balance and for reproduction system as well.

In case of reproduction parameters, it was observed, that several mares, that were problematic in the previous years (e.g. couldn’t be fertilized, needed caesarean section, had reproductive tract disease or had and unviable foal) could easily be fertilized, without any pharmaceuticals, due to Immunovet’s beneficial effects. Quick and easy fertilization has a huge economical advantage in breeding animals.

Besides the above-mentioned observations, Immunovet had beneficial effect on the horses’ fur, hoof, condition and general metabolism. Based on the results, it can be concluded that feeding Immunovet has a positive effect on horses of any age and type.

Reference: dr. György Kovács, 2005: Immunovet-HBM feeding study in the herds of Kabala kft. from Rádaháza and Herczog és Fiai kft. from Gánt.

In this study at the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary, the protective effect of a fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) against LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in IPEC-J2 porcine intestinal epithelial cells was studied. Enterocytes were treated with LPS derived from Salmonella entericaser. Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O55:B5, O111:B4, and O127:B8 strains. Intracellular ROS level and extracellular H₂O₂ level were followed up by two fluorescent assays (DCFH-DA and Amplex Red). The effect of FWGE on the intestinal barrier integrity was determined by transepithelial electric resistance measurements and using a FD4 fluorescent tracer dye. IL-6 concentration of supernatants was also measured by the ELISA method. Our data revealed that FWGE had a significant lowering effect on the inflammatory response especially related to oxidative stress. Treatment with FWGE (1-2%) significantly decreased the level of intracellular ROS compared to LPS-treated cells. Furthermore, LPS-triggered partial disruption of epithelial integrity was reduced after FWGE application.

Full study: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1482482

The effect of a non-medicated diet with or without a grain extract feed additive (benzoquinones as main active ingredients) on the growth of rabbits and certain physiological indicators of the digestive tract was examined. One-day-old rabbits of average birth weight were distributed into litters of eight, and these litters were randomly divided into three groups (21-22 litters/group). The control group (Group C) received a basal diet. The diet fed to rabbits of Group IM, was supplemented with a feed additive containing natural basic ingredients (Immunovet-HBM, 1 kg/t); the diet fed to Group M was medicated (tiamulin, oxytetracycline and diclazuril). Three days prior to kindling and up to weaning at 21 days of age of the pups, the does were fed one of the three diets ad libitum. Young rabbits were allowed to consume the same diets beside their mother’s milk before weaning.

Significant (p < 0.05) difference in body weight between groups was detected only at the ages of 4 and 8 weeks. The pH of the gastric content remained significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Group IM after weaning. Rabbits in Group IM showed the highest pancreatic enzyme (trypsin, lipase, α-amylase) activities throughout the period studied. The composition of microflora of the caecum was only slightly altered by the treatment. The total volatile fatty acid content (tVFA) increased with age and from day 28 it was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the C and IM group than in M rabbits. The proportion of butyric acid was lower than that of propionic acid even on the 42nd day in Group M.

From the results of this study it is clear that the early weaning of rabbits can be accomplished by the use of a non-medicated diet without any decrease in weight gain. In our study the grain extract feed additive exerted a beneficial effect by increasing the pancreatic enzyme activity and maintaining a better VFA ratio.

Full study

The immunomodulating effect of a wheat extract (Immunovet-HBM) feed supplement in pigs suffering from immunosuppression caused by 1.5 and 3.0 ppm T-2 toxin was examined. Immune response was measured after vaccination (day 1 and 5) of the animals against Aujeszky’s disease. Specific and non specific in vitro cellular immune response was measured by the lymphocyte stimulation test (LST) induced by PHA-P, ConA, PWM and inactivated suspension of the Aujeszky virus. Humoral immune response, e.g. specific antibody titre was measured by virus neutralisation test. All the measured parameters were significantly and dose dependently lower in pigs fed T-2 containing diet than in the controls. The wheat extract supplementation induced a better immune response compared to pigs exposed to T-2.

Full study

Bioactive compounds such as benzoquinone derivates presented in fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) have several positive effects on overall health status of humans and animals alike. Since available data regarding the antioxidant activity of FWGE are limited, the aim of our study was to investigate its effects on the cellular redox homeostasis applying primary hepatocyte cell cultures of rat origin. Cultures were challenged to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment for 2 or 8 hours to trigger inflammatory response. Further, culture media were concomitantly supplemented with or without FWGE (Immunovet , 0.1% and 1%). In order to monitor the metabolic activity of the cell cultures, CCK-8 test was applied, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using Amplex Red method. Malondialdehyde concentration of culture media as a specific marker of lipid peroxidation and the activity of glutathione peroxidase in cell lysates were also determined to monitor the redox status of the cultures. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that FWGE did not show cytotoxic effects in any applied concentration in cell cultures. Furthermore, FWGE efficiently decreased cellular ROS production and lipid peroxidation rate in case of LPSinduced inflammatory response. However, without LPS treatment, higher concentration of FWGE increased the rate of both ROS and malondialdehyde synthesis. This observation may refer to the prooxidant activity of high dose FWGE, which is an important beneficial effect regarding tumor cells. However, in case of noninflamed hepatocytes, considering the results of glutathione peroxidase activity, the application of the product did not result in severe oxidative distress. In accordance with the abovementioned findings, FWGE as a redox modulator, applied in the appropriate concentration, can serve as a promising candidate in the supplementary therapy of patients suffering from various inflammatory diseases, decreasing the free radical generation, thus avoiding the occurrence of cytotoxic effects.

Full study: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3181202

The effect of fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) (Immunovet®) was evaluated with cotreatments with deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin (T-2). These mycotoxins are produced by Fusarium mold species. The effects of FWGE on IPEC-J2 with DON and T-2 have not been studied until now. The IPEC-J2 porcine, nontumorigenic cell line was selected to investigate the outcome of the individually and simultaneously added compounds, as it has in vivo-like properties. The cells were treated for 24 h with the selected solutions; then, the IPEC-J2 cells were allowed to regenerate in a culture medium for an additional 24 h. In our results, DON and T-2 significantly increased the adverse impacts on cell viability and integrity of the cell monolayer. To elucidate the extent of oxidative stress, extracellular H2O2 concentrations and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. FWGE appeared to be beneficial to IPEC-J2 cells given the separately and significantly decreased ROS levels. 1% and 2% FWGE could significantly reduce mycotoxin-induced oxidative stress. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that FWGE exerted protective effects to counteract the oxidative stress-provoking properties of applied fusariotoxins in the nontumorigenic IPEC-J2 cell line.

Full study: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3854247

Immunovet’s efficacy in preventing infections by strengthening animals’ immune system has been proven in several studies.

In every period of their life, companion animals can get infected with various pathogenic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, ecto- and endoparasites (e.g. fleas, lice, worms). In milder cases, animals’ immune system can successfully fight these pathogens, however, more severe infections need drug therapy. Antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antiparasiticides and anti-inflammatory agents, that are commonly used for the treatment, can have several side effects that should also be considered before therapy start. Inappropriately chosen or dosed drugs might cause severe organ damages in the animal and can lengthen the necessary treatment duration. Therefore, modern veterinary (and human) medicine undoubtedly prefers preventing diseases instead of treating them.

In the prevention of infectious diseases, appropriate hygiene and healthy, properly functioning immune system are essential. Immunovet can help in preventing infections by enhancing immune function of animals. These effects have been proven in multiple investigations.

Within the framework of a study in 2004, broiler chickens were infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum bacterium, while a group of them received antibiotic treatment, another was fed with Immunovet and the rest of them were left untreated. Weight gain of the animals, spread of the bacteria and severity of the evolved disease were monitored. Birds fed with Immunovet had comparable results from all studied aspects to the antibiotic treated group: their weight gain was better than the untreated group’s, less organ damages were observed in them and the bacterium could be detected from less animals’ blood and organ samples. Concluding the observations, it was stated that Immunovet could moderate spread and severity of the infection similarly to the antibiotic (1).

In 2018, a similar study was conducted with Salmonella Typhimurium artificial infection in broiler chickens. Salmonella Typhimurium is a pathogen that occurs worldwide, being able to cause diarrhea in both humans and animals. The bacterium is transmitted with feces, it can easily spread in poultry flocks from one animal to another. Furthermore, it can contaminate eggs in case of improper hygiene at poultry farms and meat during slaughter, which can result in food poisoning of human consumers. During the investigation, a few chickens from different groups were infected with the bacterium and all animals were examined 5, 12 and 19 days later, to reveal how many of them got infected with Salmonella. Meanwhile, some of the groups were fed with Immunovet containing feed. As a result, in those groups where the birds received Immunovet supplementation, significantly less chicken showed signs of infection, which means that Immunovet could effectively decrease the spread of infection among animals (2).

These study results confirm that Immunovet can effectively be used to strengthen natural immune system of animals, consequently making them more resistant to infectious diseases.

References:

1. Stipkovits L, Lapis K et al, 2004: Testing the efficacy of fermented wheat germ extract against Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection of chickens. Poultry Science. 83. 1844-1848.
2. Jerzsele Á, Somogyi Z et al, 2019: Effects of fermented wheat germ extract on artificial Salmonella Typhimurium infection in broiler chickens. (Original, Hungarian title: A fermentált búzacsíra-kivonat hatása brojlercsirkék mesterséges Salmonella Typhimurium fertőzésére.) Hungarian Veterinary Journal. (Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja). 142. 77-85.

In a several-year-long study, it has been proven that feeding Immunovet can decrease the occurrence of behavioural problems in horses.

Behaviour of horses can be influenced by several factors, such as husbandry, hormonal changes, and the use to which the animal is concerned. Due to harmful effects, behavioural problems (e.g. aggression, anxiety, nervousness and unwilling to work) can develop in horses, which make it more difficult to perform work, sport and leisure activities with them. Therefore, it is necessary to treat these problems and their underlying causes.

For four years, a total of 91 horses were involved in a study – all of them showing some kind of abnormal behaviour at the beginning – where the effect of Immunovet was tested against these conditions. During the investigation, Immunovet could significantly decrease occurrence of behavioural problems, which were assessed on a scale from 1 to 5 by the handlers. Horses included in the study were mares and geldings between 2 and 35 years old, and were involved in various activities (riding school, hacking and jumping, dressage and eventing horses).

In this study, further positive effects of Immunovet could be observed in horses which had additional medical conditions besides the behavioural problems. Improved appetite and weight gain, reduced clinical signs of colic, and beneficial effects in hoof, coat and skin conditions have been reported. In the publication of the study, it is stated that these aspects were not directly in the objective of the study, they were only further observations, however, they still represent important findings about various beneficial effects of Immunovet.

Based on the above-mentioned findings, it can be concluded that Immunovet – besides its numerous positive effects on animal health – can also be useful for improving abnormal behaviour of horses.

Reference:

1. Weetman, M., Davies, T., Brown, R., Murray, M., Pollock, P., Sutton, D., 2018: Fermented wheat germ extract effect study on horse behaviour. Veterinary Times.