44. Immune modulating influence of Echinacea purpurea as an intermittent feed additive in layers and fattening pigs (Der Einfluss eines intermittierenden Einsatzes von Echinacea purpurea als Futterzusatz auf verschiedene Immunparameter von Legehennen und Mast- schweinen)

Echinacea is used widespread as an herbal paramunity-inducer to reduce various infections in humans. The recommended application is a prophylactic use for several weeks. On the other hand, it was shown that e.g. phagocytosis is depressed by an intake duration exceeding 5 days. The aim of the present trials was to test if a repeated short-time application of Echinacea juice as feed additive is sufficient to stimulate the immune response of layers and fattening pigs. Methods: In a trial with 72 white layers (LSL) two Echinacea juices (Berghof-Kräuter, Heilsbronn) as feed additives were tested for their influence on feed intake, performance, blood count, phagocytosis of granulocytes, and antibody titer (ND, Newcastle Disease) following vaccination. The dosage of the juice was adjusted on the basis of recommendations for humans at 0.25 ml/kg BW. Echinacea juice was pressed juiced of aerial parts of the plant preserved with either ethanol (20%) or by fermentation. The contents of cichory acid and alkamids in the ethanolic and fermented juice were analyzed at 2.1, 1.9 mg/ml, and 27.7, 2.7 μg/ml, respectively. The application scheme followed a repeated 14 days regimen with either 5 days application and 9 days without application or 2 days application and 12 days without application. Additionally, blood count and phagocytosis of granulocytes (luminescence assay) were determined in fattening pigs (80–100 kg) after Echinacea application (2 x 5 days). Blood was taken immediately following an application phase. Results: Feed intake and performance of the hens were not impacted. Significant differences were found in the number of lymphocytes, the phagocytosis, and the antibody titer. The number of lymphocytes was highest in the group with 5 days ethanolic juice. Phagocytosis was reduced in both groups receiving ethanolic juice for 2 and 5 days. The ND antibody titers (1 (a) and 2 (b) weeks after vaccination) were highest in the groups receiving the fermented juice for 2 days. The phagocytosis in the fattening pigs showed a significant increase in both supplemented groups. The number of lymphocytes was also increased significantly in the groups provided with Echinacea.