Newcastle Disease Antibody Titers Research Articles

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN DOSIS EKSTRAK MENIRAN (Phyllanthus niruri L) TERHADAP TITER ANTIBODI NEWCASTLE DISEASE DAN AVIAN INFLUENZA PADA BROILER JANTAN

This study was intended to know the effect of meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L) extract as an immunomodulator against avian influenza (AI) and newcastle disease (ND) antibody titers in male broilers, which was conducted in April 2019 to May 2019 at the Integrated Field Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. Analysis of antibody titers was carried out at the Lampung Veterinary Virology Laboratory in Lampung. This study used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and five replications, those were drink water without Phyllanthus nirurilinn extract (P0), drink water with 1.5 mg/kg BW/day Phyllanthus niruri linn extract (P1), drink water with 3 mg/kg BW/day Phyllanthus niruri linn extract (P2), drink water with 4.5 mg/kg BW/day Phyllanthus niruri linn extract (P3). Based on variance analysis, the results of this study showed that the application of Phyllanthus niruri linn extract did not significantly affect on ND and AI antibody titers in male broilers. However, based on the average of antibody titer produced, giving Phyllanthus niruri linn extractat of 4.5 mg/kgBW/day can increase the AI antibody titer in male broilers.
 Keywords: Phyllanthus niruri linn, Immunomodulator, Antibody titer, Avian Influenza, Newcastle Disease, Male broiler

High frequency vaccination-induced immune stress reduces bone strength with the involvement of activated osteoclastogenesis in layer pullets

In poultry production, vaccination is an effective measure to protect chickens from diseases. Vaccination, however, is a stressor that may induce stress responses that interfere with the growth and development of chickens. The interaction between the skeletal and immune systems on bone quality has gained more attention. In the present study, the influence of high frequency vaccinations on the bone development of layer pullets was investigated. Thirty 35-day-old SPF White Leghorn layer pullets were obtained and randomly subjected to the following treatments: vaccinated against Newcastle disease (ND) with LoSota vaccine once at 35-day-old (V1, control); 4 times at 35, 49, 63, and 77 d of age (V4); and 7 times at 35, 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, and 77 d of age (V7). The body weight and organ index of the spleen, thymus, and tibia were recorded. The antibody titer and serum and the tibia calcium and phosphorus concentrations were measured. The transcription levels of the IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) genes were determined in spleen, thymus, and the tibia. The results showed that V7 decreased body weight and increased the ND antibody titer, compared to V1-chickens. The expression levels of IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α were upregulated in spleen, thymus, and the tibia of V7 chickens. In the tibia, RANKL was upregulated, while OPG was downregulated by V7 treatment. The results indicate that high frequency vaccination induces immune stress and impairs bone development. The results suggest that the augmented cytokine expression in immune organs and the tibia is associated with activation of the OPG/RANKL pathway, which, in turn, enhances osteoclastogenesis. The appropriate frequency of vaccination should support optimal bone development and full immunoprotection in layer pullets.

Survey for Newcastle Disease Virus Antibodies in Local Chickens, Ducks and Pigeons in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease (ND) among some local poultry species from live bird markets (LBM) and households in Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 543 (300 local chickens, 199 pigeons and 44 ducks) sera samples were collected between October 2018 to April 2019. Sera samples were tested using Haemagglutination inhibition HI) test. The overall seroprevalence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibodies was 9.9% (54/543). The prevalence of antibodies to ND was found to be higher in ducks 20.5% (9/44), followed by local chickens 10% (30/300) and pigeons 7.5% (15/199) respectively. There was statistical significant association (P = 0.000817) between location of sampling of local poultry and seropositivity for ND. Also there was a statistical significant association (P = 0.0348) between species of local poultry and ND antibody titre. This study revealed that local chickens, ducks and pigeons in Makurdi could play significant role in the epidemiology and transmission of ND to susceptible commercial exotic birds or other local poultry species especially when reared in close proximity. The study concluded that the prevalence of ND antibodies indicated the presence of the virus among the population and ducks and pigeons could be reservoirs and carriers for NDV. Vaccination campaign should be organized for local poultry species for the control of ND in the study area.

Effects of reduced-protein diets supplemented with protease in broiler chickens under high stocking density

The effects of protease supplementation on productive performance and physiological responses were investigated in broiler chickens fed reduced crude-protein (low-CP) diets and reared under normal or high stocking densities (SD). Chicks were housed in pens with two stocking densities (≈10 birds/m2 or ≈15 birds/m2) and fed diets with either the recommended or reduced level of CP and metabolisable energy (ME) from 1 to 21 days. From 22 to 42 days, an equal number of birds from each dietary group was fed one of the following finisher diets: (1) recommended-CP and ME, (2) low-CP and recommended-ME or (3) low-CP and recommended-ME supplemented with protease. No interactions (P > 0.05) were observed between diet and SD for feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), Newcastle disease antibody titre, pododermatitis, caecal clostridia, Escherichia coli, lactobacilli, serum corticosterone or acute-phase proteins. Diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on FI, WG or FCR during the finisher period nor on FI and WG during the overall (1–42 days) period. High SD resulted in lower FI (P < 0.05) and Newcastle disease antibody titre (P < 0.05) and higher FCR (P < 0.05), pododermatitis incidence (P < 0.05), caecal population of clostridia (P < 0.05) and E. Coli (P < 0.05), and acute-phase protein and corticosterone concentrations than did normal SD. In conclusion, the supplementation of protease to a low-CP diet during the finisher period had no effect on the performance and immunity of overcrowded broiler chickens. Regardless of dietary CP and protease supplementation, a high SD negatively affected the growth performance, immunity, caecal microflora and welfare of the broiler chickens.

Co-Supplementation of Dietary Seaweed Powder and Antibacterial Peptides Improves Broiler Growth Performance and Immune Function

ABSTRACT The feasibility of Laminaria japonica powder (LJP) combined with cecropin as a dietary supplement to enhance broiler growth performance and immune function was evaluated in this study. In total, 648 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly distributed into nine numerically-equal treatment groups: T1 (control group; fed a basal diet); T2 (fed the basal diet supplemented with 1% LJP);T3 (fed the basal diet supplemented with 300mg cecropin/kg); and T4,T5,T6,T7,T8 and T9, individually fed with the dietary supplemented with varying levels of LJP and cecropin). Compared with the control, dietary of LJP or cecropin supplementation slightly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the dietary supplementation of LJP combined with cecropin significantly improved broiler growth performance during the periods of 1-21,21-42, and 1-42 days (p<0.05).The dietary supplementation of 3% LJP combined with 300 mg/kg cecropin significantly increased FCR, and serum Newcastle disease antibody titers and lymphocyte numbers during the periods of 1-21, 21-42, and 1-42 days (p<0.05). Cecal microorganisms were cultivated and the number of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus colonies were counted. The dietary supplementation of LJP combined with cecropin remarkably inhibited E. coli growth and increased Lactobacillus growth. The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of using LJP and cecropin as feed supplement for improving the growth performance and enhancing the immune function of broilers.

Immune Regulatory Effects of Enteromorphaclathrata Polysaccharides on Nd Attenuated Vaccine in a Chicken Model Infected with Reticuloendotheliosis Virus

ABSTRACT Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) infection has frequently affected the poultry industry in recent years. The infection with REV weakens the immune responses of the infected poultry. It is reported that Enteromorphaclathrata polysaccharides are capable of regulating immune function. In order to investigate the immuno regulatory effects of Enteromorphaclathrata polysaccharides (EPS) on the response of REV-infected broilers to a live attenuated Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine. Broilers were intraperitoneally injected with REV at one day of age, subcutaneously infected with EPS at 2 days of age, and vaccinated by nasal drip with a live attenuated ND (Lasota strain) vaccine at 5 days of age. Immune organ index, secretory immunoglobulinA (SIgA), peripheral blood heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (H/L ratio), peripheral blood lymphocyte transformation rates, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels were measured at 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 56 days of age. The results showed that EPS increased the immune organ index, and the secretion of small intestine secretory immunoglobulin A, serum ND antibody titers, blood H/L ratio, peripheral blood lymphocyte transformation rates, and IL-2 and IFN-γ levels. These results indicate that EPS are able to enhance the immune responses of chickens both to REV infection and to ND vaccination. Therefore, Enteromorphaclathrata polysaccharides can be considered as an immune regulator in the future.

Effect of light emitting diodes with different color temperatures on immune responses and growth performance of male broiler

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the different color temperatures (Kelvin; K) of the light emitting diodes (LEDs) on broiler chicken health and growth performance compared to incandescent (ICD) light bulbs. Three hundred and sixty one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were tested for 42 days. The chicks were randomly distributed into three treatment groups [neutral-white (4,286 K), warm-white (2,990 K), and ICD (2,790 K) light bulbs] of 120 chicks/treatment with six replicates each by adopting complete randomized design. The diets were similar for all treatment groups. The live body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated (weekly and whole period). Indices of humoral immunity [antisheep red blood cell (SRBC) titer, IgG, and IgM at 26 and 34 days of age], Newcastle disease (ND) virus and avian influenza (AI) virus antibody at 40 days of age, cell-mediated immunity [cutaneous basophilic hyper-sensitivity (CBH) response at 41 days of age)] as well as total and differential leukocyte numbers at 42 days of age) were measured. Effects of different color temperatures of the LEDs and ICD light bulbs on body weight, feed consumption, and FCR were not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). Also, the effect of color temperatures of light on secondary titers of SRBC, AI antibody response, CBH response, the total number of leukocytes and percentage of lymphocytes were not significant. However, the different color temperatures of LEDs have a significant effect on primary SRBC and ND antibody titers (P≤0.05). The highest primary SRBC (P≤0.05) and ND (P≤0.05) antibody titers were observed in warm-white light. It was concluded that based on the 3 color temperatures examined, it seems that the most suitable to provide the optimum level of immunity and energy-saving in commercial broiler houses is warm-white light.

Retrospective analysis of Newcastle disease diagnosed at the poultry clinic of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild birds with devastating impact on poultry health and production. Many vaccines and vaccination schedules are in use in controlling the disease but prevention and control are still a problem. A ten-year retrospective study (2002-2011) of Newcastle disease and other poultry diseases diagnosed at the Poultry Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (ABUVTH), Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria was conducted. Out of 2,649 cases of poultry presented, 43.9% (1,164 cases) were confirmed as ND. The highest number of cases of the disease was in August followed by July and May. The cases of ND were observed to be higher in the rainy season (July to September), but it seems to be 1.43 times more likely to occur during pre-dry season (October to December). Most of the cases of ND were recorded in chickens and turkeys. Birds between the ages of 9 and 20 weeks were 2.01 times more likely to suffer from ND than younger birds. Most of the cases of ND were reported in birds that were vaccinated against ND than non-vaccinated ones. It was recommended that monitoring of Newcastle disease antibody titre should be intensified during rainy season and birds should be vaccinated against the disease as at when due. Keywords: Newcastle disease, Poultry, Seasonal distribution, Vaccine, Zaria

The effect of Bacillus coagulans-fermented and nonfermented Ginkgo biloba on the immunity status of broiler chickens.

To evaluate and compare the effects of Bacillus coagulans-fermented Ginkgo biloba (FG) and nonfermented Ginkgo biloba (NFG) on the immunity status of broiler chickens, 180 1-d-old female Arbor Acres chicks were divided into 3 groups and fed either a basal diet, a basal diet supplemented with 0.3% NFG, or a basal diet supplemented with 0.3% FG. Blood samples were taken on the seventh (before vaccination), 14th, 21st, 28th and 35th day for the assessment of serum IL-18 and interferon γ (IFN-γ) levels by ELISA. In addition, Newcastle disease antibody titer analysis was made via hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition test methods. On d 35, 6 chickens from each group were sacrificed and the thymus, liver, spleen, small intestine (jejunum segment), cecum, and bursa of Fabricius from each chicken were removed for analysis. RNA was isolated for defensin expression detection by real-time PCR (q-PCR). The results showed that serum IL-18 and IFN-γ levels decreased after treatment with NFG and FG compared with untreated control chickens. The ND antibody titers did not differ significantly between the 3 groups on the seventh, 14th, 21st and 28th day; however, on the 35th day, the ND antibody titers of the NFG and FG chickens were both significantly higher than those of control group chickens. Defensin RNA expression levels were inhibited by NFG; however, they were induced by FG. In conclusion, fermentation of Ginkgo biloba with Bacillus coagulans can promote the beneficial effect of Gingko biloba on the immunity status of broiler chickens.

Boosting Newcastle disease vaccination efficacy under field conditions by aromatic plant essential oil extracts

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of commercially available aromatic plant essential oil extracts (MixOilTM) on the protection outcome achieved after a Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination. Antibody production, after a MixOil treatment administered along with a vaccination program applying a live attenuated Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine, was assessed under field conditions. The antibody response was evaluated via a Hemagglutination Inhibition test and an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Later, the experimental groups were challenged with two velogenic NDV strains: Herts 33 and a local virulent NDV strain. A MixOil treatment effect with a higher dose was also examined. It was observed that ND antibody titers were enhanced when the birds were placed on a MixOil immune system-boosting program during vaccination. The mortality rate decreased by at least 50% after regular MixOil immune boosting; it also decreased following larger treatment doses. Clearly, promoting a strong bird immune system through herbal supplementation would naturally be expected to create a successful vaccination outcome and healthy flocks of birds. In addition, the results suggest that, by applying a higher dose of MixOil, the treatment can exceed its immune-stimulator benefits; it resulted in controlling the mortality outcome from the experimental ND infection.

The effect of dietary L-arginine intake on the level of antibody titer, the relative organ weight and colon motility in broilers.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of L-arginine (L-Arg) levels in diet at the starter, grower and finisher phases on immune response, organ development, nitric oxide (NO) metabolism and colon motility in broilers. A total of 500 one-day-old Ross-308 broiler chickens of mixed sex were separated into one Arg-deficient group and four experimental groups. Each group was then divided into five subgroups of 20 birds each. Arginine deficient group for all phases was fed a basal diet which contained 10% less L-Arg than optimum Arg requirement recommended by the breeder. Experimental groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with L-Arg which was progressively 10% increased in groups. Thus, the diet contained 90, 100, 110, 120 and 130% of optimum Arg requirement for each phases in groups, respectively. The highest serum infectious bursal disease antibody titer (IBD) was observed in the experimental group which was fed the diet containing 110% L-Arg at grower phase (P < 0.05), whereas Newcastle disease antibody titer did not differ between groups. The relative weight of spleen increased in groups which were fed the diet containing 120 and 130% L-Arg at starter phase as compared to Arg-deficient group (P < 0.05). The group which was fed the diet containing 110% L-Arg showed highest relative weight of bursa Fabricii at grower (P < 0.05) and finisher (P < 0.01) phases. It was observed that serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration decreased in Arg-deficient group (P < 0.05). The amplitude of spontaneous colon contractility did not differ between groups at the end of all three phases. However, the frequency of spontaneous colon contractility in the Arg deficient group was higher at starter (P<0.05), grower (P < 0.01) and finisher (P < 0.05) phases. These results suggest that the supplementation of L-Arg at higher level than optimum Arg requirement in broiler diet has minimal effect on parameters investigated in the study. However, L-Arg-deficiency may negatively affect immune response and the motility of gastrointestinal system due to disruption of NO metabolism at three phases.

Performance and immune response of broiler chicks as affected by different levels of total dissolved solids in drinking water under hot arid environments

This study was conducted to assess the effect of different total dissolved solids (TDS) levels (265, 2610, 3154, and 3448 ppm) in drinking water obtained from natural sources on the performance and immune response of broilers against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine under hot, arid environmental conditions. Each water treatment was given to a group of 100 Ross 308 broiler chicks. Each group of chicks was divided into five replicates in a cage house system. All chicks were injected with SRBC at 8 days of age when drinking water treatments started. Water intake increased significantly with the increase of TDS level. Feed efficiency and bodyweight gain were affected negatively only under the highest TDS level (3448 ppm). The highest weight gain was observed at the 2610 ppm TDS level. Plasma total protein and albumin concentration showed a significant increase at the two highest levels of TDS (3154 and 3448 ppm) in drinking water. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly elevated by the increase of the TDS level in drinking water. At 21 days of age the chicks consuming drinking water with TDS of 2610 and 265 ppm recorded a significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) ND antibody titer than the other two groups. At 28 and 35 days of age chicks consuming drinking water containing 2610 ppm of TDS recorded a significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) ND antibody titer than the group consuming water containing TDS of 265 ppm. Higher levels of antibody titer against SRBC were recorded in birds consuming drinking water with TDS of 2610 and 265 ppm at 7 and 10 days post injection than the other two groups. However, at 10 days post injection birds consuming drinking water with 2610 ppm TDS recorded higher antibody titer than birds consuming 265 ppm TDS drinking water. In conclusion, 265 and 2610 ppm of TDS in drinking water did not negatively affect broiler productive performance, while levels of 3154 and 3448 ppm may negatively affect broiler growth. The study suggests that a TDS level of 2610 ppm has a better effect on broiler performance, in terms of weight gain and immune response in hot and arid environmental conditions, compared with a TDS level of 265-ppm level.

Effects Different Levels of Nanoparticles Chromium Picolinate Supplementation on Growth Performance, Mineral Retention, and Immune Responses in Broiler Chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels nanoparticles of chromium picolinate (NanoCrPic) on the performance, immune responses, mineral retention, and tissues accumulation of chickens. A total of 180 broilers were randomly allocated into 0 (control), 500 ppb (µg kg-1) Cr and 3000 ppb Cr groups with 6 replicates (10 birds/pen) for a 35-day experiment, the Cr is nanoparticles of chromium picolinate (NanoCrPic). In addition, 36 birds were used for metabolic experimental investigation. The results of the experimentation indicated that there were no significant differences in average body weight gain between groups, but feed conversion ratio (FCR) in 3000 ppb group was better than control group during 1-21 days. The carcass yields slightly lower in 3000 ppb group than control (p<0.1). Retention ratio of Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, and P were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the 500 ppb Cr group. The addition of NanoCrPic caused increased mineral concentrations, such as Cr, Ca and P in the subjects’ livers. Furthermore, the addition of NanoCrPic significantly increased lymphocytes and decreased both heterophils and H/L ratio (p<0.05). The ND (Newcastle disease) antibody titer was not affected in the broilers. In conclusion, supplemental NanoCrPic improved the retention of Zn, Fe Ca, notably it increased the concentration of Cr and Ca in the liver, and also increased the number of lymphocytes in broiler chickens.

Effects of Chitosan and its Derivative added to Water on Immunological Enhancement and Disease Control

An immune system is a system of biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against diseases by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells. Development of novel natural immune enhancers is an urgent issue. In experiment 1, Newcastle disease antibody titer, levels of IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ, and changes in CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells were analyzed. In experiment 2, diarrhea, respiratory symptoms and mortality of broilers were measured. In experiment 1, the results showed that the immune response, such as Newcastle disease antibody and CD4(+) T cells, would be significantly activated by feeding with chitosan and its derivative during 27 days. In experiment 2, the results demonstrated that diarrhea, respiratory symptoms and the mortality of the commercial medicine treatment group were decreased, with infection days increased. However, the mortality of broilers was significantly decreased, while feed intake and weight gain of the birds were significantly increased in the group treated with chitosan and its derivative as compared with other groups. Chitosan and its derivative have strong potential in immune enhancement and disease control, and can be used as a feed additive.

Effects of supplemental essential oil on growth performance, lipid metabolites and immunity, intestinal characteristics, microbiota and carcass traits in broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of essential oil as growth promoting agents and as a potential alternative to antibiotic. A total of 240day-old-Arbor Acres broilers were divided into 3 equal groups as follows: negative control (no essential oil or antibiotic), positive control or antibiotic (100ppm oxytetracycline) and essential oil (125ppm including essential oil derived from oregano, anis and citrus peel). The experiment was performed in 4 replicate pens, with 20 birds, and carried out for 42days. Birds were given feed and water ad libitum. Feed/gain ratio was improved in the essential oil group during the entire experimental period and in antibiotic group during the 0–21day period. Both antibiotic and essential oil supplementation increased the survival rate by approximately 10%, as compared to the negative control group. Serum levels of cholesterol were reduced by either the treatment with antibiotic or essential oil, while birds receiving essential oil supplementation had lower VLDL levels and higher total polyphenolic compounds and total flavonoids. Sheep red blood cells (SRBC) antibody titer and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration were unaffected by either antibiotic or essential oil supplementation. A decrease in the Newcastle disease antibody titer was observed in the antibiotic treatment. Intestinal pH values of the different intestinal parts (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) were unaffected by any treatment. Compared with the control group, concentrations of caeca total volatile fatty acids (VFA) decreased in birds fed with antibiotic. Ileum ammonia concentration was the lowest in birds fed with essential oil and antibiotic supplementation, and the highest in the control group. Total ileum microbiota counts were not affected by any treatment. Essential oil supplemented birds had longer duodenum villi, while jejunal and ileal villi heights as well as cryptal depth were similar among all groups. Breast muscles were more tender and thigh muscles were juicier for birds in the essential oil group, as compared to the control and antibiotic groups. The results showed that essential oil could be considered as a potential natural growth promoter, and may be used as an alternative to antibiotic.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids enrichment alters performance and immune response in infectious bursal disease challenged broilers.

BackgroundInfectious bursal disease (IBD) results in economic loss due to mortality, reduction in production efficiency and increasing the usage of antibiotics. This study was carried out to investigate the modulatory roles of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) enrichment in immune response and performance of IBD challenged broiler chickens.MethodsA total of 300 day old male broiler chicks were assigned to four dietary n-3 PUFA ascending levels as the treatment groups (T1: 0.5; T2: 8.0; T3: 11.5; T4: 16.5) using combinations of tuna oil and sunflower oil. All diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. On day 28, all birds were challenged with IBD virus. Antibody titer, cytokine production, bursa lesion pre and post-challenge and lymphoid organ weight were recorded.ResultsOn d 42 the highest body weight was observed in the T2 and T3 and the lowest in T4 chickens. Feed conversion ratio of the T2 broilers was significantly better than the other groups. Although productive parameters were not responded to the dietary n-3 PUFA in a dose-dependent manner, spleen weight, IBD and Newcastle disease antibody titers and IL-2 and IFN-γ concentrations were constantly elevated by n-3 PUFA enrichment.ConclusionsDietary n-3 PUFA enrichment may improve the immune response and IBD resistance, but the optimum performance does not coincide with the optimum immune response. It seems that dietary n-3 PUFA modulates the broiler chicken performance and immune response in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, a moderate level of dietary n-3 PUFA enrichment may help to put together the efficiency of performance and relative immune response enhancement in broiler chickens.

Adjuvanticity of compound polysaccharides on chickens against Newcastle disease and avian influenza vaccine

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of compound polysaccharides (cPS) on the immune responses via chicken models. First, in screening experiment, a comprehensive analysis for immunomodulatory activity of four cPSs, including Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), Epimedium polysaccharides (EPS), sulfated APS (sAPS) and sulfated EPS (sEPS), was performed in vitro and in vivo. APS–sEPS was picked out having the best effect on lymphocyte proliferation and raising the antibody titers. Therefore, the adjuvanticities of APS–sEPS on Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) vaccine were further validated. Chickens were administrated with ND or AI vaccines containing APS–sEPS of 150, 100 and 50mg/kg, respectively, taking oil adjuvant vaccine as control. It was observed ND or AI antibody titers and lymphocyte proliferation were enhanced at 100mg/kg of APS–sEPS. In conclusion, appropriate dose of APS–sEPS may be a safe and efficacious immune stimulator candidate suitable for vaccines.

Efficacy of esterified glucomannan, sodium bentonite and humic acid to counteract experimental aflatoxicosis on antibody titers against Newcastle disease in broilers

A study was conducted on the impact of aflatoxin (AF) and sodium bentonite, esterified glucomannan and humic acid, on immunization against Newcastle disease (ND) in broiler feed with naturally contaminated diet with aflatoxin. Seven-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to nine dietary treatments in four replicates of 12 chicks. Treatments were 1) Control; 2) naturally contaminated diet with aflatoxin; 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) naturally contaminated diet with aflatoxin supplemented with 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0% humic acid, respectively; 8 and 9) naturally contaminated diet supplemented with 0.5% sodium bentonite and 0.1% esterified glucomannan, respectively. The measured aflatoxin in contaminated diet, confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC), was 254 ppb. Blood sample was taken from each bird and the titers of antibody against ND were measured by haemagglutination-inhibition test. Compared to the control diet, the antibody titers against ND was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in 254 ppb aflatoxin fed chicks from 28 to 35 days of age. The addition of esterified glucomannan, sodium bentonite and humic acid to the AF-containing diet ameliorated the adverse effects of aflatoxin on ND antibody titers, but humic acid proved to be more effective in the amelioration of the adverse effect of AF on humeral immunity against ND. Key words: Esterified glucomannan, sodium bentonite, humic acid, aflatoxicosis, Newcastle disease.

Synergy of Astragalus polysaccharides and probiotics (Lactobacillus and Bacillus cereus) on immunity and intestinal microbiota in chicks

Probiotics and Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) can modulate systemic immunity and intestinal microbiota in animals and human beings. It is still unknown if the combined application of probiotics and APS in feed has synergistic effects on immunity and intestinal microbiota. To address this issue, this study was designed to investigate the synergistic effects on immunity and intestinal microbiota in chicks. A total of 240 female Hy-Line chicks were assigned to 4 treatments. Four treatments were fed the same corn-soy meal control diet; however, treatments 2, 3, and 4 were supplemented (per kg of feed) with 220 mg of APS, 4 × 1010 cfu probiotics, and dual treatment, respectively. Parameters evaluated included serum Newcastle disease antibody titer, peripheral blood acid α-naphthyl acetate esterase-positive (ANAE+) T-lymphocyte percentage, immune organ relative weights and histological changes, and selected intestinal tract bacteria. Compared with the control, Newcastle disease antibody titer, ANAE+ T-lymphocyte percentage, immune organ relative weights, histological changes, as well as lactobacilli and Bacillus cereus numbers significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05); however, the Escherichia coli numbers in chicks of the treatments decreased (P ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, there were significant differences in ANAE+ T-lymphocyte percentage of dual treatments compared with APS treatment (P ≤ 0.05), and also in spleen index, bursa of Fabricius index, immune organ histological changes, and lactobacilli, Bacillus cereus, and E.coli numbers compared with the APS or probiotics treatments (P ≤ 0.05). The results showed that probiotics combined with APS administration in feed displayed synergistic modulation effects on immunity and intestinal microbiota, which is very important for the exploration of new prebiotics.

Immunocompetence, Hepatic Heat Shock Protein 70 and Physiological Responses to Feed Restriction and Heat Stress in Two Body Weight Lines of Japanese Quail

The effect of early heat stress either solely or plus feed restriction on the physiological response, antibody titer and hepatic 70-kda heat shock protein expression (HSP 70) of two body weight lines (high and low) Japanese quail chicks were investigated. Chicks of each line were divided into three groups; (1)control, (2) exposure to 39±1oC for six hour (h), form 5 to 21 day of age (DOA) on each of three consecutive d/week (HS) and (3) HS concurrent with 70% feed restriction (HSFR). The results showed that quail chicks of either HS or HSFR exhibited significantly higher respiration rate (RR) compared with the control. While, the rectal temperature (RT) was reduced at 21 DOA, in the HSFR group. The plasma concentrations of total protein, globulin, total lipid, cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were decreased due to HS or HSFR episode. Likewise, the level of both calcium and phosphorus at 21 DOA. However, at 42 DOA, the HS chicks did not significantly differ from the control. The activities of plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were increased (p<0.05) in treated groups (HS and HSFR) at 21 DOA. Either HS or HSFR showed low Newcastle disease antibody titer and a decrease in relative lymphoid organ weights. Unlike the antibody titer, the H/L ratio was increased in the HS chicks. After heat exposure, HSP 70 density of the high body weight line was immediate and pronounced. The combination of heat stress and feed restriction (HSFR) induced even higher response. While in the low body weight line neither the control nor the heat stress treatment showed any response. Chicks of either HS or HSFR had significantly lower live body weight (LBW) and body weight gain (BWG) and poorer fed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control ones. However, during the recovery period (21 to 42 DOA) the HSFR group was the best (p<0.01) for BWG and FCR. The high line body weight chicks showed significantly higher plasma level of total protein, albumin, globulin and cholesterol at 21 and 42 DOA than the low line. Similarly, higher antibody titers against NDV and productive performance traits throughout the experimental period.