Effect of formaldehyde antimicrobial feed additive on the immune competence of chickens experimentally infected with a known Newcastle disease virus strain

Abstract

Thirty-seven percent (37%) formaldehyde- possessing antimicrobial activity has been used in various forms as a fumigant for mould control and as a feed additive for feed preservation. The study evaluated the effects of formaldehyde-treated poultry feed on the immune response of birds to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection with Kudu 113 strain. A total of 100 chicks were acquired from Zartech Hatchery, Ibadan, Nigeria. They were randomly appropriated into A, B, C and D experimental groups, with each group containing 25 birds. Group A chicks were vaccinated, fed treated feed and infected with ND virus while group B chicks were vaccinated, fed untreated feed and infected with ND virus. Chicks in group C were not vaccinated but fed treated feed and infected with ND virus whereas chicks in group D were not vaccinated, fed untreated feed and infected with ND virus. The data generated were analysed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Formaldehyde-treated feed had no significant effect on the PCV, antibody response to NDV, organ index and feed intake but significantly affected the body weights of the birds. Formaldehyde, despite the antimicrobial activities, may not prevent infection of Newcastle disease virus infection, when used as a feed additive.