Assessment of immune-competence traits among native and cross bred chicken

Abstract

A 3x3 diallel cross experiment between indigenous breeds [Ankleshwar (AN), Nicobari (NC)] and exotic breed (CARI Red) was carried out to study the immune-competence traits like humoral and cell mediated immune (CMI) response. A total of 540 birds were grouped into nine (three pure and six cross breeds, n=60/group) to conduct this 3 × 3 complete diallel cross experiment. Of which a total of 180 birds (n=20/group) were taken as representative birds as 10 male and 10 female from each genetic group to study the immuno-competence traits. Each bird was injected with 1 ml of 1% suspension of Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBC) intravenously at 6th week of age to study the humoral immune response. The serum antibody titre against SRBC was measured by Heam agglutination (HA) test. After 10th week of age, the cell mediated immune response was assessed via intra-dermal injection of Phytohemagglutinin type P (PHA-P) on 3rd and 4th toe of the right foot of the chicken. The results of this study showed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) in humoral immune response between mating systems and genetic groups. The crossbreds showed significantly higher humoral and cell mediated immune response than purebreds. However, among purebreds, the CR showed better immune response. Moreover, the crosses of CR×NC showed higher humoral and Cell mediated immune response than others, followed by NC×CR. It is concluded that CARI Red as male and Nicobari as female showed better humoral and cell mediated immune response than others.