Oral Immunostimulation of Fish from (1-4) Linked Beta-D-Mannuronic Acid

Abstract

An oral, immunostimulating material for mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles comprising an immunostimulating amount of an alginate having a M content of at least 40% and an acceptable carriers.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method for stimulating weight gain in fish through immunostimulation comprising orally administering an immunostimulating amount of an immunostimulating material to said fish, wherein said material comprises an alginate having a M content of at least 40% and an acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said M content is 50% to 70%. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said M content is 70% to 80%. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said M content is 80% to 99.9%. 
     
     
         21 - 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said material is (i) a pharmaceutical, veterinary or nutraceutical solid dosage form or liquid formulation, (ii) a solid, semi-solid or liquid food or (iii) a solid or liquid nutritional supplement.