Coconut water enhances immunity of cockerels before and after vaccination against Newcastle disease virus

Abstract

Coconut water contains cytokinins and lauric acid which have potentials to enhance immune response. Poor immune response after vaccination is a common problem in poultry industry. Due to this challenge, this experimental study was carried out to evaluate the effects of coconut water on cell mediated and humoral immunity in cockerel chicks. Seventy five day-old cockerel chicks were randomly divided into three groups (A, B and C) and each group contained 25 birds. Group A (control) received ordinary water for 32 days while birds in group B received 100 ml of coconut water/1 L of water for 32 days. Group C received 100 mL of coconut water/1 L of water till day 19 of age and ordinary water from day 20 to day 32 of age. The birds were vaccinated against Newcastle disease (NDV) on day 20. Blood samples were collected on day 19 and 32 to evaluate the leukogram, antibody titer against NDV, total proteins and cytokines. Intestinal samples were also collected for immunoglobulin A analysis following the euthanasia of the birds. Means ± SD of the parameters were calculated and compared for significance differences using one-way ANOVA (p<0.05). A significantly lower total protein and globulin levels were recorded in groups B and C on day 19. Contrarily, there was an increase in total protein and globulin levels in groups B and C, and an increase in monocytes count in group B on day 32. The serum levels of gamma interferon, interleukin 2 and Newcastle disease antibody titre increased significantly in groups B and C on day 32. Immunoglobulin G and A concentrations were not significantly different across the three groups on day 32. These results showed that coconut water supplementation before and after vaccination improved immune response to Newcastle disease vaccine.