Abstract

A group of dolphin calves (Tursiops truncatus) living in natural limited spaces at Playa del Carmen, México, was treated with therapeutic doses of transfer factor as an attempt to induce cellular immunity in order to control diverse health problems during the first days of newborn calves. Some of the signs observed in calves were higher respiratory frequencies, decreased nursing, lost weight, different kinds of skin wounds and corneal ulcers.

Clinical improvement was noted after the administration of the therapy in all the treated dolphins, furthermore blood studies demonstrated a modulation of the inflammatory response. This suggests that the transfer factor in dolphins develops an important role as an immune regulator during the course of a disease. The administration protocol and doses were different in each case according to the clinical signs of each patient. Additionally, cellular immunity can be induced by means of administrating it every 48 hours PO. In conclusion, the use of transfer factor significantly improves dolphin's health.