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Effect of fulvic and humic acids on performance, immune response and thyroid function in rats
Abstract
Effect of humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) on production parameters, immune response and thyroid function of rats were investigated in two experiments. First experiment: control or 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8% HA- or FA-supplemented diets. Second experiment: control and 0.4% HA- or FA-supplemented diets. The feeding period lasted 26 days in both trials. No significant changes were observed in production parameters. Ovalbumine antibody titre of rats on HA- or FA-supplemented diets showed dose-dependent (at 0.4% supplementation) and significant (p < 0.05) increase (350 and 418% respectively) over the control (100%). Dose-related increase of plasma TSH (r = 0.99), and decrease of the T(4)/T(3) ratio (r = -0.97) was observed in FA-supplemented rats. Second experiment: both FA and HA stimulated the immune response by the 14th day (mean values: control: 685.79; FA: 1131.37; HA: 1055.6099) and 26th day (control: 544.31; FA: 1969.83; HA: 1600.00). No significant differences were noted with lymphocyte stimulation test. Diameter of the 'B'-dependent lymphoid tissues in the ileum and spleen were significantly (p < 0.05) larger in both the FA- and HA-treated animals. Humic acid and FA supplementation resulted in strong humoral immune stimulation. Our data also indicate that FA content is responsible for the mild hypothyroid effect of humic substances.
... HA is produced from the organic materials of dead plants and animal tissues by chemical and biological processes [3]. HA possesses various biology functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulatory, and antimicrobial properties, which have been used in agriculture, even as a supplementation used in human and animal clinical practices [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Studies indicated that the HA has been used as the neuron-or nephron-protective agents in clinical therapy based on the potential anti-inflammatory ability [10,11]. ...
... An earlier study demonstrated that HA exhibited the potent activity against human immunodeficiency virus that is not treated due to lack of the effective drugs [12], whereas, in veterinary medicine, HA may cure certain clinical symptoms including diarrhea, dyspepsia, and acute intoxication in horses, ruminants, swine, and poultry [3,6]. HA has also recently been used to increase the growth rate and improve feed efficiency and immunity, as well as improve the economic and ecological benefits during animal production [9,13]. ...
Fulvic acid (FA), a humic substance, has several nutraceutical properties, including anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, and immune regulation abilities. However, systematic safety assessment remains insufficient. In the present study, a battery of toxicological studies was conducted per internationally accepted standards to investigate the genotoxicity and repeated-dose oral toxicity of FA. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats or ICR mice were used. Compared to the control group, there were no significant changes (all p > 0.05) in all FA treatment groups in the bacterial reverse mutation test, in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test, in vivo sperm shape abnormality assay, and in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. The acute toxicity test showed that no mortality or toxic effect was observed following oral administration of the maximum dose of 5,000 mg/kg BW/day to mice or rats. A 60-day subchronic study was conducted at 0 (control), 200, 1,000, and 5,000 mg/kg/day. Compared to the control group, there were no significant changes (all p > 0.05) in the body weights, feed consumption, clinical signs, hematology, clinical chemistry, organ weights, or histopathology examinations. In conclusion, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of FA supplementation from the 60-day study was determined to be 5,000 mg/kg body weight/day, the highest dose tested. Our findings suggest that the oral administration of FA may have higher safety.
... Fulvic acid has a clinical beneficial effect in chronic inflammatory diseases and diabetes [39]. The full HSs fraction also has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity [40][41][42]. ...
(1) Background: Humic substances are well-known human nutritional supplement materials and they play an important performance-enhancing role as animal feed additives. For decades, ingredients of humic substances have been proven to carry potent antiviral effects against different viruses. (2) Methods: Here, the antiviral activity of a humic substance containing ascorbic acid, Se− and Zn2+ ions intended as a nutritional supplement material was investigated against SARS-CoV-2 virus B1.1.7 Variant of Concern (“Alpha Variant”) in a VeroE6 cell line. (3) Results: This combination has a significant in vitro antiviral effect at a very low concentration range of its intended active ingredients. (4) Conclusions: Even picomolar concentration ranges of humic substances, Vitamin C and Zn/Se ions in the given composition, were enough to achieve 50% viral replication inhibition in the applied SARS-CoV-2 virus inhibition test.
... The results of present study showed that NaH supplementation had no effects on the hematological indices and serum metabolites of pre-weaned calves. The immunomodulatory property of NaH was observed in rats and weaned piglets [28,29]. The concentration of serum immunoglobulin is an important indicator for immune function, which could protect the body against infections and inhibit inflammatory reactions [30]. ...
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the administration of sodium humate (NaH) on the growth performance, diarrhea incidence, and fecal microflora of pre-weaned Holstein calves. In a 53-day experiment, forty healthy newborn female calves were randomly allocated to the following four treatment groups: (1) control (basal diet); (2) 1-gram NaH (basal diet extra orally supplemented with 1 g of NaH dissolved in 100 mL of milk or milk replacer daily); (3) 3-gram NaH (basal diet extra orally supplemented with 3 g of NaH dissolved in 100 mL of milk or milk replacer daily); and (4) 5-gram NaH (basal diet extra orally supplemented with 5 g of NaH dissolved in 100 mL of milk or milk replacer daily). NaH was mixed with milk (d 2–20) or milk replacer (d 21–53). Calves in the 5-gram NaH group had a higher ADG during d 1 to 21 and d 21 to 53 than the other groups did (p < 0.05). Fecal scores and diarrheal incidence were significantly lower in the 3-gram and 5-gram NaH groups than the 1-gram NaH and control groups during d 1 to 20 (p < 0.05). The serum IgA, IgG and IL-4 concentrations, and T-SOD and T-AOC activities were higher, and the serum IL-6, TNF-α, D-lactic acid, and MDA concentrations were lower in the 5-gram NaH group than the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, NaH supplementation increased the abundances of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus but decreased the abundance of Escherichia coli in feces (p < 0.05). These encouraging findings indicated that supplementation with 5 g of NaH effectively improved the immune status, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal beneficial bacteria, and further improved the growth performance and reduced the diarrhea incidence of the pre-weaned dairy calves.
... 21 , experimentally induced herpes infection in the mouse ear was treated by applying a topical humic acid-derived substance, and it was concluded that the humic acid-derived agent significantly reduced or completely suppressed the infection. Vucskits et al. 22 In their study in rats, they stated that the humic acid diet both increases the immune response and prolongs the immune response time. Ji et al. 23 conducted a study on rats, and showed that humic acid accelerates the healing of wounds on the surface of the skin. ...
... On the first and 14th day of the experiment, the animals were immunised with 0.2 mL ovalbumin solution (50 mg ovalbumin þ 100 mL incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) þ 100 mL PBS/rat) intraperitoneally. The antibody titres of the blood samples (collected on the 14th and 30th days of the experiment) were analysed using ELISA (Vucskits et al., 2010). ...
The purpose of this 30-day feeding study was to elucidate the changes, correlations, and mechanisms caused by the replacement of the starch content of the AIN-93G diet (St) with glucose (G), fructose (F) or lard (L) in body and organ weights, metabolic changes and caecal microbiota composition in rats (Wistar, SPF). The body weight gain of rats on the F diet was 12% less ( P = 0.12) than in the St group. Rats on the L diet consumed 18.6% less feed, 31% more energy and gained 58.4% more than the animals on the St diet, indicating that, in addition to higher energy intake, better feed utilisation is a key factor in the obesogenic effect of diets of high nutrient and energy density. The G, F and L diets significantly increased the lipid content of the liver (St: 7.01 ± 1.48; G: 14.53 ± 8.77; F: 16.73 ± 8.77; L: 19.86 ± 4.92% of DM), suggesting that lipid accumulation in the liver is not a fructose-specific process. Relative to the St control, specific glucose effects were the decreasing serum glucagon (–41%) concentrations and glucagon/leptin ratio and the increasing serum leptin concentrations (+26%); specific fructose effects were the increased weights of the kidney, spleen, epididymal fat and the decreased weight of retroperitoneal fat and the lower immune response, as well as the increased insulin (+26%), glucagon (+26%) and decreased leptin (–25%) levels. This suggests a mild insulin resistance and catabolic metabolism in F rats. Specific lard effects were the decreased insulin (–9.14%) and increased glucagon (+40.44%) and leptin (+44.92%) levels. Relative to St, all diets increased the operational taxonomic units of the phylum Bacteroidetes. G and L decreased, while F increased the proportion of Firmicutes. F and L diets decreased the proportions of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. Correlation and centrality analyses were conducted to ascertain the positive and negative correlations and relative weights of the 32 parameters studied in the metabolic network. These correlations and the underlying potential mechanisms are discussed.
Ayurveda focuses upon preventing and promoting health along with curing of diseases in a systematic way. Ayurvedic literature has numerous single and compound plant-based, herbo-mineral, herbo-metallic formulations for general well being and in disease-specifi c conditions relating to geriatrics. Rasayana is a specialized branch that deals with the problems related to ageing and methods to counter the same. Shilajatu is one such compound, which has been used in Ayurveda for centuries as Rasayana and as a treatment for all the ailments of body. It is composed of mainly humic acid (60-80 %), and fulvic acid, oxygenated dibenzo- -pyrones and minerals in ionic form (20-40 %). This article is aimed at analyzing and disseminating the classical concepts and available published researches inferring antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of Shilajatu. The review reveals that Shilajatu exhibits signifi cant antioxidant, immunomodulatory, chelating, cognitive and memory enhancing activities, thus it could prove to be a panacea for mankind.
This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sodium humate (HNa) and glutamine (Gln) alone or combined supplementation on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, blood parameters, and intestinal microflora of weaned Holstein calves. In a 14‐day experiment, 40 calves at 51 ± 3 days of age were randomly allocated to four treatment groups: (1) NC (basal diet), (2) NC + 5% HNa, (3) NC + 1% Gln, and (4) NC + 5% HNa + 1% Gln. Calves combined supplementation with HNa and Gln had a higher (P < .05) ADG, serum concentration of glucose (GLU), IgA, and IgG but lower fecal scores, diarrhea incidence, serum concentration of TNF‐α, and IL‐10 compared with NC group (P < .05). Compared with NC group, HNa + Gln group showed higher (P < .05) serum GSH and T‐AOC activities but lower (P < .05) concentration of MDA and D‐lac. Furthermore, the abundances of Prevotella ruminicola, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus in rectal digesta were increased (P < .05), but the Escherichia coli was significantly decreased. In conclusion, combined supplementation with HNa and Gln can effectively improve the immune status, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microflora of the weaned calves while reducing diarrhea incidence.
Objective:
Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is an important health problem especially in developing countries with additional socio-economic loss. Humic acids (HA) usually have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood-circulating and antiviral effects. We aimed to show effect of HA on neuroprotection in TSCI model.
Methods:
We performed TSCI model in Twenty-four Wistar-Albino rats in four groups. Control group underwent only laminectomy. Sham group underwent laminectomy followed by TSCI. Low dose HA (5mg/kg) and high dose HA (10mg/kg) groups underwent laminectomy and TSCI followed by peritoneal administration of HA. Preoperative, postoperative 1st hour and postoperative 24th hour cardiac blood samples were obtained. Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), Total Oxidant Status (TOS) and Oxidative Index (OI) levels were evaluated in serum. The 24th hour motor functions were evaluated by Modified Tarlov Score.
Results:
There were no significant changes in TAS values between sham- low dose and high dose humic acid groups (p:0.77/0.21). However there were a significant decrease of TOS levels in the 24th hour post operative blood samples comparing the sham group with low dose humic acid group (p=0.02). Pathological evaluation showed a significant decrease in the severity of edema, hemorrhage, Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PNL) and Mononuclearleucocytes (MNL) /macrophage/microglia when we compare with the control group (p<0.05). There is a significant recovery in paraplegia level as we compared the HA groups with control groups (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
In this study, we showed the effects of HA in the early stages of TSCI on oxidative stress, histopathological changes and neurological improvement. It is thought to be a potential therapeutic agent in acute TSCI but needs to be further evaluated by showing proper effect on other neuroprotective pathways in larger series.
Injured tissue triggers complex interactions through biological process associated with keratins. Rapid recovery is most important for protection against secondary infection and inflammatory pain. For rapid wound healing with minimal pain and side effects, shilajit has been used as an ayurvedic medicine. However, the mechanisms of rapid wound closure are unknown. Here, we found that shilajit induced wound closure in an acute wound model and induced migration in skin explant cultures through evaluation of transcriptomics via microarray testing. In addition, ferulic acid (FA), as a bioactive compound, induced migration via modulation of keratin 6α (K6α) and inhibition of β-catenin in primary keratinocytes of skin explant culture and injured full-thickness skin, because accumulation of β-catenin into the nucleus acts as a negative regulator and disturbs migration in human epidermal keratinocytes. Furthermore, FA alleviated wound-induced inflammation via activation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) at the wound edge. These findings show that FA is a novel therapeutic agent for wound healing that acts via inhibition of β-catenin in keratinocytes and by activation of Nrf2 in wound-induced inflammation.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of dietary humate substances (HS) and CloSTAT (Bacillus subtilis PB6) on the thyroid activity and histology, iron profile, blood haematology and performance of growing Japanese quail. A total of 216 unsexed 7‐day‐old quail chicks were randomly assigned to six groups. The first group was fed a basal diet (BD) without any additives (control); the 2nd group received BD plus 0.05% CloSTAT, the 3rd and 4th groups were given BD plus 0.4% and 0.8% HS, respectively; and the 5th and 6th groups were administered BD plus CloSTAT + 0.4% HS and BD plus CloSTAT + 0.8% HS, respectively. The results showed that the growth performance was improved with the addition of CloSTAT alone or in combination with 0.4% HS compared with the control. Haematological parameters, iron level and transferrin saturation % were significantly (p < 0.001) increased by feeding HS compared with the control group. Serum thyroxin and triiodothyronine levels were significantly (p = 0.001) increased by adding CloSTAT relative to the control. Supplementation of 0.8% HS caused deterioration in histomorphometry parameters of the thyroid gland, but these parameters were improved in response to CloSTAT compared with the control. In conclusion, dietary B. subtilis PB6 as CloSTAT or CloSTAT + 0.4% HS supplementation may be efficacious in enhancing the growth performance and boosting the thyroid activity of growing Japanese quail. Moreover, the addition of 0.4% or 0.8% HS to quail diets boosted their iron profile and haematological parameters.
Effects of humates supplemented to the broiler feeds on fattening performance,
serum mineral concentratiOlI and bone ash
Summary: The objectives of this study were to compare weight gain, feed
consumption, feed conversion, carcass dressing pen:entaKe, bone (tibia) ash and
serum Ca, Na, K and CL levels (~l broiler chickens consuming control diet or
humate (FarmaKulator DrylM) added diets.
In the experiment, a total of 273 one dayold male broiler chicks (Avian
Farms) were used, and they were assiKned in three groups as Group 1 (Control),
Group 2 (humate, 1.5g/kg), Group 3 (humate, 2.5g/kK). Also each KrouP was
divided into 7 replicate groups each containing 13 chicks. The experiment lasted
42 days. DurinK the jirst three week.~, all groups were fed on the broiler starter
feeds prepared as isocaloric and isonitroKenic, and for the next week.~ they were
given broiler Krower feeds as isocaloric and isonitroKenic, ad tibitum. Feeds ol
Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 were supplemented with O, 1.5 and 2.5 K/kg
Farmagulator Dry"'Mrespectively.
For the }irst 21 days, d(fferences between body weight Kain, feed cemversion
ratio and feed consumption value (~l the groups were not found valuable
statistically. At the end ql the trial, dietary humate concentrations (~l O, 1.5, or
2.5 K/kg did not eflect carcass dressinK percentage, feed consumption and serum
concentration (d Ca, K and CL(P>0.05). However, at 40 days of aKe, serum Na
concentration (P<0.05) and tibia bone ash (P<O.Ol) were siKnificantly increased
with 2.5 K/kg humate addition, but not in diets O and 1.5 g/kg humate added. In
addition, 2.5 K/kK humate supplementation signUicantly improved body weight
gain andfeed ettidency (P<0.05) but not O and 1.5 g/kK humate supplementation
at 42 days olaKe.
Key words: bone ash, broiler, humate, mineral, performance
A capacidade de complexação de substâncias húmicas extraídas de amostras de turfa coletadas na região do Rio Mogi em Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil, foi determinada utilizando Al(III), Pb(II), Cr(VI) e Cd(II). A seguinte ordem de afinidade foi observada: Cr(VI)< Cd(II)<Pb(II)<Al(III). O teste toxicológico LD 50 mostrou que as substâncias húmicas não são tóxicas até a concentração máxima de 512 mg kg -1 . Esses resultados reforçam a possibilidade do uso das substâncias húmicas como agente desintoxicante de metais. The complexation capacity of humic substances extracted from peat samples taken from the Mogi River in Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil, was determined using metal ions (Al(III), Pb(II), Cr(VI) and Cd(II)), yielding the following order of affinity: Cr(VI)< Cd(II)<Pb(II)<Al(III). An oral LD 50 test showed that these humic substances are nontoxic up to a maximum concentration of 512 mg kg -1 . These findings reinforce the possibility of using humic substances as a metal detoxicant.
Summaries in Afrikaans and English. Thesis (Ph.D.)(Animal Science)--University of Pretoria, 2005. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 151-177).
Humic acids (HA), a class of compounds resulting from decomposition of organic matter, particularly plants are natural constituents of drinking water, soil and lignite. It inhibit bacterial and fungal growth, thus decrease levels of mycotoxins in feed. Stress management, immune system, anti-inflamatory activity, antiviral properties as well as prevention of intestinal diseases, mainly diarrhoea in humans and animals are described as its beneficial effect. The use of HA and related products in feed improved gut health for better nutrient utilization as well as improved the health status by working against pathogens by developing immunity. Routine use of HA in feed improved growth of broilers by increasing digestion of protein and trace element utilization but a few researches has been conducted in this area. However, also contradictory findings in piglets are described. Most of the literature found is from companies but scientific articles are rather limited. There are also strong limitations in the knowledge of HA uses as feed additive for growth of other species of animal. It is really difficult to compare the actual effects of HA preparations due to different sources and nature as well as because rearing of animal in different region of the world varies as climatic conditions and aspects. So, bio-effect of HA product depends on specification.
The AIN-93 rodent diets were formulated to substitute for the previous version (AIN-76A) and to improve the performance of animals that consume them. They are called AIN-93G, formulated for growth, and AIN-93M, for maintenance. Major changes included substituting cornstarch for sucrose and soybean oil for corn oil and increasing the amount in order to supply both essential fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic). L-Cystine was substituted for DL-methionine to supplement the casein component. The mineral mix was reformulated to lower the amounts of phosphorus, manganese and chromium, to increase the amount of selenium, and to add molybdenum, silicon, fluoride, nickel, boron, lithium and vanadium. The amounts of vitamins E, K-1 and B-12 were increased over those in the AIN-76A vitamin mix. The AIN-93G diet contains 200 g of casein and 70 g of soybean oil/kg diet. The maintenance diet (AIN-93M) contains 140 g of casein and 40 g of soybean oil/kg diet. The 1993 diets have a better balance of essential nutrients than the 1976 diet and are better choices for studies with laboratory rodents.
Effects of sodium humate (HuNa), containing 61.9% of humic acids in dry matter, on utilisation and retention of dietary iodine were investigated in balance experiments carried out in pigs. A control group was fed a commercial diet containing 0.1 mg of iodine per kg. The daily intake of iodine was 129.2 mug per animal or 4.08 mug per kg live weight. The recommended intake of dietary iodine is 0.25 to 0.30 mg per kg at 88% dry matter. The experimental group (HuNa) was fed the same diet supplemented with 3% of sodium humate which contained 0.5 mg of iodine per kg at 90.04% dry matter. The supplementation increased the daily intake to 141.4 mug per animal, or 4.45 mug per kg live weight. The supplementation of HuNa increased significantly the amount of iodine excreted in faeces (53.2 +/- 11.0 vs. 43.0 +/- 6.47 mug per animal per day; P < 0.05) and nonsignificantly the urinary iodine excretion (31.8 <plus/minus> 8.93 vs. 29.0 +/- 11.3 mug per animal per day). Differences between the HuNa and the control groups in blood serum iodine concentrations (18.8 vs. 18.1 mug per litre) and urinary iodine concentrations (32.5 vs. 34.4 mug per litre) were nonsignificant. It is evident from the concentrations that the pigs suffered from a serious iodine deficiency. Compared with controls, the HuNa group showed significantly higher triiodothyronine concentration (P < 0.05) and nonsignificantly lower thyroxine and iodine concentrations in blood serum. Dietary iodine utilisation was lower in the HuNa than in the control group (62.3 vs. 66.6%). The results show that utilisation of dietary iodine was limited and that sodium humate (humic acids) reduced iodine utilisation and retention and affected also other parameters indicating their goitrogenic effects.
The complexation capacity of humic substances extracted from peat samples taken from the Mogi River in Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil, was determined using metal ions (Al(III), Pb(II), Cr(VI) and Cd(II)), yielding the following order of affinity: Cr(VI)< Cd(II)<Pb(II)<Al(III). An oral LD50 test showed that these humic substances are nontoxic up to a maximum concentration of 512 mg kg-1. These findings reinforce the possibility of using humic substances as a metal detoxicant.
Iodide binding by humic acid was studied. The reaction was dose, temperature and pH dependent. A maximum binding of 88% was reached with 2 mg humic acid in 0.15 M Tris buffer. The efficiency of iodide binding by the buffer becomes higher whenever the buffer is slightly alkaline. Iodide binding by humic acid at 60°C is more efficient than that at room temperature or 4°C. The reaction was very rapid and reached equilibrium in 2 h. There are two binding sites for iodide in humic acid. The iodide binding by humic acid is inhibited by depleting of oxygen. The reaction was also inhibited by superoxide dismutase, catalase, thiourea, glutathione and dithiothreitol, but butylated hydroxytoluene and ascorbic acid did not inhibit it. In conclusion: (a) Humic acid can bind iodide efficiently in various buffers, (b) the binding is probably a reaction of oxidation reduction, (c) free radicals are involved in the reaction and (d) free radicals are present in the humic acid.
The antiinflammatory activity of topically applied coal-derived fulvic acids (called oxifulvic acid) at 4.5% and 9% was compared with that of diclofene sodium at 1% and betamethasone at 0.1% in a murine model of contact hypersensitivity. Mice were sensitised with dinitrofluorobenzene and challenged 6 days later by application to the dorsal surface of the right ear. The inflamed ears of the mice were then treated topically, and the thickness of the ears was measured daily. Oxifulvic acid at both concentrations compared favourably with both diclofene sodium and betamethasone in suppressing the cutaneous inflammatory response. Oxifulvic acid possesses antiinflammatory properties and may be of clinical benefit in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions in humans. Drug Dev. Res. 53:29–32, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The effect of different doses of mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) on specific and non-specific immune responses was studied in piglets, weaned at 28 days. A total of 58 piglets were used in six groups. Five groups were fed 0, 1, 2, 4 g MOS product per kg diet or with growth promoting antibiotics and immunized by inactivated Aujeszky’s disease virus (AyV) vaccine at week 1 and 3 of the experiment (35 and 49 days). A sixth group, receiving the same non-supplemented diets was not immunized. Blood samples for lymphocyte stimulation (LST) and AyV neutralization (VN) tests were taken from all pigs on the first day of the experiment and at weekly intervals for 5 weeks. At week 8, the immunized piglets were infected orally with transmissible gastroenteritis virus. All piglets were weighed and slaughtered at week 10, digesta from small intestine were collected and tested for the presence of secretory (s)IgA. Feeding MOS supplementation resulted in enhanced specific and non-specific immune responses, however, a regressive dose-response of MOS was observed. Both the specific cellular (LST) and humoral responses (VN) were enhanced after 2 weeks of feeding 1 g/kg MOS and significantly differed from the antibiotic positive control. The same tendency was detected in case of the non-specific LSTs, although these started some weeks later showing significant differences by the fifth week. Higher doses of MOS had no further beneficial effect on systemic immunity. In addition, 1 g/kg MOS supplementation group also showed some advantage in local immune responsiveness. Therefore, based on the studied immune variables, 1 g/kg MOS product is suggested in the diet of weaned piglets.