Abstract
Abstract A significant impairment in growth rate, protein efficiency rate and relative weight of bursa of Fabricius, thymus and spleen was exhibited in growing chickens fed a raw kidney bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) diet. Total IgM and IgG titers in primary and secondary immune response against killed Brucella abortus , as well as total number of white blood cells and absolute lymphocytes, were significantly reduced in legume-fed birds. An involution of bursal follicles was observed in these animals. In another experiment, in which legume-fed birds were challenged with a live culture of B. abortus , total antibody, IgG levels and relative weight of lymphoid organs were again significantly reduced in legume-fed birds; survival of B. abortus in spleen significantly increased in these animals. These data suggest that feeding a raw kidney bean diet impairs the immune function of growing chickens.
Published Version
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