Newcastle Vaccine Research Articles

Evaluation of the response of Turkey strains to Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines

This research work was carried out to evaluate the immune response of 3 turkey strains to salmonella and Newcastle vaccines measured via antibody titre. The study deployed a total of 120 poults (40 black, 40 white and 40 lavender) strains. To ascertain the initial antibody titre of all the birds, blood samples were obtained from their wing veins immediately after acclimatization for salmonella and Newcastle antibody titre. The test for salmonella and Newcastle antibody titre responses of the birds were performed using widal and haemagglutination inhibition (HI), respectively. The birds were divided into two broad groups tagged as A and B, which represented Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines, respectively. Each group had 3 sub-groups denoting the 3 strains of turkey used for the study. After vaccination, blood samples were collected from all the birds at 3 and 5 days for laboratory assessment of antibody titre response. The results showed that there was significant increase (p<0.05) in the antibody titre response of all the turkey strains after vaccination. Results obtained on the time of exposure of the birds to vaccine revealed that higher antibody titre values were obtained from the black and white turkey strains at 3 days than at 5 days after administration of Newcastle vaccine, except in the lavender strain, which had higher titre value at 5 days after Newcastle vaccination. Following administration of salmonella vaccine, black and lavender strains had statistically higher antibody titre response (2.03 and 2.10 mean loge widal, respectively) than white strain (1.86 mean loge widal). Similarly, the black strain also had higher antibody titre value when Newcastle vaccine was administered (2.35 mean loge HI) followed by lavender (1.99 mean loge HI) and white strain (1.71 mean loge HI). Black strains showed more antibody titre response and by implication, stronger immunity to Salmonella and Newcastle vaccines. More importantly, the differential response of the 3 turkey strains to vaccine could give turkey breeders the choice of selection of turkey breeds for disease resistance breeding.

Development of TaqMan Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detection of Chicken Anemia Virus in Newcastle Disease Vaccines.

Exogenous chicken anemia virus (CAV) has been detected in commercial poultry vaccines in various countries of the world. The presence of unwanted CAV in vaccines not only influences the epidemiology of chicken infectious anemia disease, but may also lead to vaccine failure and confusing results when vaccine responses are monitored. To detect CAV in contaminated vaccines, nucleic acid testing (unlike conventional testing) has a shorter processing time and does not require cell culture or live animals. The aim of the current study was to develop a TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect and quantify CAV in poultry vaccines and investigate CAV contamination in Razi live Newcastle disease vaccines. The TaqMan real-time PCR assay was set up, optimized, and validated in successive experiments. A standard plasmid pUC-VP2 containing viral protein 2 of CAV was constructed and used in the assay to generate a standard curve to quantify CAV genomes. A clear linear correlation was observed between threshold cycle (Ct) values and plasmid copy numbers in the amplification plots of 10-fold serial dilution of the plasmid. Total DNA of three samples of each of four different Razi live Newcastle disease vaccines, namely LaSota, B1, clone.12IR, and thermo-resistant strains, were extracted and subjected to real-time PCR assay. No CAV contamination was detected in the Razi Live Newcastle vaccines. The developed TaqMan real-time PCR assay provides a quick, specific, and sensitive method for use in detecting CAV in quality control vaccine testing and viral load studies.

Efficacy of Newcastle disease vaccines and vaccination protocols commonly used in Mali, West Africa

Newcastle disease, caused by Avian paramyxovirus -1 (APMV-1), is a devastating disease of poultry that is endemic in many countries worldwide. Several commercial vaccines and protocols are available against the disease and in most cases, they provide good clinical protection. However, despite vaccination, cases of Newcastle disease are often seen in some countries, including Mali in West Africa. Although there is only one serotype of APMV-1, eighteen different genotypes have been identified to date. The vaccine strains used in Mali belong to either genotype I (for example I-2) or II (for example LaSota and Hitchner B1) while the most recently identified isolates in Mali are from genotypes XVII and XVIII. This study was therefore undertaken to determine whether, four currently used vaccination protocols in Mali were able to protect chickens against challenges with a recently isolated genotype XVIII strain from Mali (ML008/09) and genotype IV Herts/33. The results showed clinical protection of the vaccinated birds with no shedding of ML008/09 for all of the vaccination protocols used, while shedding was detected in birds challenged with Herts/33. The data generated in this study will assist those working in the area of Newcastle disease management and control in Mali. Key words: Avian paramyxovirus-1, Newcastle disease, serology, vaccine, Mali.

Effectiveness of Thermostable Vaccine for Newcastle Disease Produced by the Razi Institute on Backyard Poultry in Iran during 2015.

Newcastle disease causes many economic losses to the poultry industry in most countries. This disease is endemic in Iran. Backyard poultry is considered the reservoir of Newcastle virus; however, there is either no vaccination program against Newcastle, or it is performed in a restricted manner. Commercial live vaccines are inactive and sensitive to temperature; moreover, vaccine delivery to villages and remote areas requires special equipment and high cost to maintain the cold chain. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a thermostable Newcastle vaccine produced by the Razi Institute (ND.TR.IR) on the backyard poultry. In four provinces, at least 4 villages were selected as the treatment group, and the same number was selected as the control group. At least, 30 birds were sampled in each village. In each group, blood samples were collected before vaccination and 2 weeks later, and the serum titer of the samples was examined with the haemagglutination inhibition test. The arithmetic mean and standard deviation of the sample titers at the rural level were compared using paired t-test before and after vaccination in each group. Moreover, Repeated Measures ANOVA was utilized to compare the vaccinated and control groups in terms of the titer changes before and after vaccination. In this study, 584 and 389 samples were taken from the treatment (53 households in 20 villages) and control groups (33 households in 14 villages). The mean serum titer values of Newcastle were 4.51±3.03 and 6.64±2.48 in the treatment group before and after vaccination, respectively (P<0.001). The increase in mean titer of the treatment group (2.31 log) was statistically higher than that in the control group (0.66 log) (P<0.001). Out of 584 birds, 517 (88.5%) ones had titer above 3 in the second turn in the treatment group. The thermostable vaccine (ND.TR.IR) produced by the Razi institute is suitable for backyard poultry, which immunizes them against Newcastle disease. Appropriate vaccination programs for backyard poultry should be made; moreover, vaccination of backyard poultry can be effective in preventing the circulation of the field viruses.

Effectiveness evaluation of thermo-stable vaccine against Newcastle disease (ND.TR.IR) produced by the Razi Institute in backyard poultry of Iran - 2015

Newcastle Disease causes many economic losses to the poultry industry in most countries. The disease is endemic in Iran. Backyard poultry is considered as Newcastle virus’s reservoir and these birds there is no vaccination program against Newcastle, or it is done in a restricted manner. Commercial live vaccines are inactive and sensitive to temperature and delivering them to villages and remote areas requires special equipment and high cost to maintain the cold chain. In this study, the effectiveness of a thermo-stable Newcastle vaccine produced by the Razi Institute (ND.TR.IR) was evaluated in backyard poultry. In four province, at least 4 villages were selected as the treatment group and the same number was selected as the control group. At least 30 birds were sampled in each village. In each group, blood samples were collected before vaccination and 2 weeks later and the serum titer of the samples was examined with HI test. For analyzing the data, the arithmetic mean and standard deviation of the samples titers at the rural level were compared before and after vaccination in each group using paired t-test and titer changes between the vaccinated and control groups were compared before and after vaccination using ANOWA Repeated Measures. In this study, of 584 birds from 53 households in 20 villages in treatment group and of 389 birds from 33 households in 14 villages in control group were sampled. The mean serum titer of Newcastle in the treatment group before and after vaccination was 4.51 ± 3.03 and 6.64 ± 2.48 respectively (P <0.001). The increase in mean titer of the treatment group (2.31 log) was statistically higher than that in the control group (0.66 log) (p <0.001). Among 584 birds, 517 (88.5%) sampled in treatment group had titer above 3 in the second turn. The thermo-stable vaccine (ND.TR.IR) produced by the Razi institute is suitable for backyard poultry and immunizes them against Newcastle disease. Appropriate vaccination program for backyard poultry should be made and vaccination in backyard poultry can be effective in preventing the circulation of the field viruses.

Immunological status in broiler chickens vaccinated with newcastle vaccine and treated with cephradine

The objective of this study is to clarify the effect of cephradine on cellular and humeral immune responses in broiler chickens. One hundred one-day-old Hubbard broiler chicks were divided into four equal groups (25 chicks in each). 1st group healthy broiler chickens non-vaccinated non medicated (control group), 2nd healthy broilers vaccinated with Newcastle vaccine only, 3rd group healthy broilers received 20 mg cephradine in drinking water daily for 5 consecutive days and 4th group healthy broilers vaccinated and received 20 mg/kg b.wt cephradine daily for 5 consecutive days. At 1st, 10th and 20th day post administration, blood samples were collected for determination total and differential leucocytic count, phagocytic activity, index, killing percentage and HI titer. Vaccinated broilers by Newcastle disease virus vaccine only, showed insignificant increase in leukocytic count, lymphocyte, heterophils, nitric oxide, lysozyme activity, total protein, total, γ globulin and HI titers at 1st day post vaccination. Beside significant increase at 10th and 20th day post vaccination coupled with insignificant increase in eosinophils, basophils, monocyte, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, killing %, albumin and α globulin and non-significant decrease in serum β globulin and A/G ratio allover experimental periods post vaccination. Broilers received cephradine and/or vaccinated with Newcastle vaccineeither alone or together, showed insignificant increase in leukocyte, heterophils, lymphocyte, eosinophils, basophils, monocyte, nitric oxide, lysozyme activity, total protein, albumin, total, α, β, γ globulin, A/G ratio throughout experimental period post vaccination. Beside significant decrease in phagocytosis, phagocytic index and killing % at 1st day and insignificant decrease at 10th &amp; 20th day post vaccination coupled with significant decrease in HI titers at 1st day post administration and insignificant decrease at 10th &amp; 20th day post vaccination. It was concluded that vaccination by Newcastle disease virus vaccine induced immune-stimulant but cephradine provoked a remarkable immunosuppressive effect in broiler chickens. Therefore, vaccination not recommended during treatment by cephradine. Â

Studies on the effects of cephradine and colibacellosis on immunological status of broiler chicken vaccinated with newcastle virus vaccine

The present study was carried out using 100, one-day old broiler chicks to evaluate the immunological status of broiler chicks vaccinated with Newcastle virus vaccine and infected with E coli and treated by cephradinee.At day 15th of age, broilers chicks were divided into 4 equal groups (25 chicks in each). 1st group, healthy non infected non treated broilers (control group). 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups expermintally infected with E. coli was done at 15th day of age. 2nd group infected, non treated broilers, 3rd group infected broilers and vaccinated with Newcastle disease virus vaccine, 4th group infected broilers vaccinated with Newcastle vaccine and received 20 mg/kg b.wtcephradinee in drinking water daily for 5 consecutive days. At 1st, 10th and 20th day post administration, blood samples were collected for determination cellular and humeral immune response. Infected broilers with E coli only or infected broilers and vaccinated display significant increase in leukocyte, heterophils, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, killing percentage, nitric oxide, lysozyme activity and gamma globulin. Beside significant decrease in lymphocyte, serum total protein, albumin, total globulin, A/G ratio and HI titer coupled with insignificant decrease in esinophils, basophils and monocyte, beta globulin associated with insignificant increase in alpha globulin allover experimental period post vaccination when compared with control broilers. Vaccinated-Infected broilers that received 20 mg/kg b.wtcephradine daily for five consecutive days revealed significant increase in leukocyte, heterophils, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, killing % and gamma globulin at 1st day post treatment coupled with insignificant increase at 10th and 20th day post treatment. In-addition to significant decrease in serum total protein, albumin, total globulin A/G ratio and HI associated with non significant decrease in esinophils, basophils, monocyte,beta globulin and non significant increase in nitric oxide, lysozyme activity and alpha globulin allover the experiment when compared with control broilers. It could be concluded that, colibacillosis in broiler chickens and cephradine induced some adverse effects on immunological status of broiler chickens. Therefore, it’s important not vaccinated broiler during colibacelosis or using cephradine in treatment. Â

Effect of a Potential Probiotic Candidate Enterococcus faecalis-1 on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota, and Immune Response of Commercial Broiler Chickens.

The probiotic effect of Enterococcus faecalis-1 (isolated from healthy chickens) on growth performance, immune response, and modulation of the intestinal microbiota of broilers was assessed with a total of 100-day-old commercial Cobb chicks. The chicks were randomly divided into two equal groups. The control group received a basal diet, while the test group received a basal diet and was orally supplied with E. faecalis at a dose of 108CFU/bird/day. Results showed that E. faecalis-1 supplement significantly (P < 0.05) improved the body weight and feed conversion ratio of treated broilers compared with the control ones. The mortality percentage was reduced in E. faecalis-1-supplemented group. The total IgY serum level was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in broilers receiving E. faecalis-1 supplement (7.1 ± 0.39) compared with the control group (5.8 ± 0.3), while the serum avidin level was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in E. faecalis-1-supplemented broilers (76 ± 11.1). There was no significant change in the immune response towards avian influenza and Newcastle vaccines in both groups. The total Lactobacillus and Enterococcus counts were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the cecal contents of broilers given E. faecalis-1 than those that received the control treatment. E. faecalis-1 supplement enhanced the enzyme activities, antioxidant system, and liver functions of treated broilers compared with those in the control group. Collectively, these results showed that E. faecalis-1 could promote growth performance and immunological status and convey beneficial modulation of the cecal microbiota in broilers.

Humoral Immune Effect of Methanolic Extract of Spondiamombin, Mucunapruriens and Acanthus montanus in Cockerel

This study was conducted to assess the effect of methanolic plant extract of some selected plants (Acanthus montanus, Spondia mombins and Mucuna pruriens) on immune response in cockerel. One hundred and forty birds were allotted to 7 groups (n=10) in this experimental unit and replicated twice. Birds were administered Spondias mombin orally at 250mg/kg bw, Spondias mombin at 500mg/kg bw, Mucuna pruriens at 250mg/kg bw, Mucuna pruriens at 500mg/kg bw, Acanthus montanus at 250mg/kg bw, Acanthus montanus administered orally to birds at 500mg/kg bw and distilled water and designated as Groups 1-7 respectively. Birds were vaccinated against Gumboro twice at days 10 and 21 while Lasota vaccine was administered twice at days 14 and 28. Blood samples were collected brachial vein (wing vein) of the animal on days 9, 23 and 37 to obtain sera samples which were used for indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) (Gumboro) and days 13, 27 and 42 for sera samples used for Haemaglutination inhibition test (HI) (Newcastle). There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the initial antibody titre among the birds for both IHA and HI. The highest antibody titre, 28.0 was found in birds administered with Acanthus montanus (500mg/kg) at day 42 for HI. The highest antibody titre for the IHA was found in birds administered with Acanthus montanus (500mg/kg) at day 37. The control birds had 23.5 and 23.7 at days 37 and 42 for IHA and HI respectively.From this study, A. montanus at 500mg/kg is recommended as adjuvant to gumboro and Newcastle vaccines in poultry.

Effect of dietary Foeniculum vulgare Mill. extract on growth performance, blood metabolites, immunity and ileal microflora in male broilers

This study investigates the effect of different level of fennel extract addition to broiler chickens Ross 308 diet on growth performance, carcass quality and health status. To do this, an experiment was performed using 300 male Ross 308 broiler chicks at a thermo-neutral ambient temperature using 5 levels of fennel extract (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm). All through the growth period, the fennel extract level showed a significant effect on weight gain, economic index, although the influence is minimal during the starter period. However, the level of fennel extract has no significant influence on the amount of feed intake and feed conversion ratio, glucose, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, and alkaline phosphatase. The level of uric acid decreased (p = 0.001), while high-density of lipoproteins increased (p = 0.018) with an increase in the level of fennel extract. Increase in the level of fennel extract significantly improves Newcastle vaccination efficiency on day 35, and immunoglobulin production on day 42 to ensure better immunity against bacteria, viral infections, and new infections. Samples fed with fennel extract supplemented diet have higher resistance to infectious bronchitis virus but lower resistance to infectious bursal disease when compared with the samples fed with control diet. Furthermore, microflora parameters are not affected by the fennel extract level, although a better antibacterial activity was observed due to the use of fennel extract. In comparison, the best diet supplementation was obtained using 100 ppm of fennel extract due to the remarkable growth performance, carcass quality and health status.

MHC IIB Genetic Diversity and its Association With Humoral Immune Responses in Commercial Turkey

Background: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is one of the best characterized genetic regions controlling immune responses against vaccines. Identifying the association between MHC haplotypes and improved immune responses would be useful in genetic breeding strategies in animals. OBJECTIVES: MHC class II B genetic diversity and its association with humoral immune responses against Newcastle vaccine (NDV) were evaluated in commercial turkey poults (meleagris gallopavo). METHODS: A total of 92 turkey poults were vaccinated with live VG/GA strain of Newcastle disease vaccine at age of 10 and 20 days. Serum NDV specific IgY was assessed by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and MHC II B polymorphism was determined using high resolution melting curve (HRM) technique and DNA sequencing method. Effects of alleles on humoral immune responses were evaluated by multivariate regression analysis and GLM procedures. RESULTS: A total of 8 HRM profiles and 10 alleles were identified in this population. B1-1*3, B1-1*4 and B1-1*5 alleles were significantly associated with lower antibody responses against vaccine in commercial turkey poults. CONCLUSIONS: Three alleles reported in this study were associated with reduced immune responses against NDV vaccine in turkey population. Due to such negative associations, molecular breeding programs based on specific genetic markers should be implemented with great caution.

EVALUATION OF GENETIC DIFFERENCES ON IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSE IN TWO NATIVE CHICKEN STRAINS FED ON DIFFERENT NATURAL AND ORGANIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the genetic differences in immunological response by use the natural growth promoters in diets offered to local chicken strains (GoldenMontazah (GM) and Bandra (B)). The present study was carried out in Seds Poultry Breeding Research Station, Animal Production Research Institute, Banysweif Governorate, through August to January (2016). A total of 240 chicks (120 hens of each strain) were used from 16 to 40 weeks of age. Birds were randomly distributed into six treatments. Each treatment had 20 (female) chicks (20X 6X 2) that were individually caged. The first treatment of each strain served as a control group and fed the formulated basal diet without any tested feed additives. The second treatment fed the basal diet with BioPlus® 2B, (400gm/ton) a commercial probiotic preparation (pro. (Bio)). The third treatment hens were fed the same basal diet with the addition of TechnoMos® (500gm/ton) a prebiotic type (pre. (Tech)).The fourth treatment fed the basal diet with Diamond V®(2.5kg/ton) a commercial prebiotic produced (pre. (Dia)). The fifth treatment fed the basal diet with FORMI® NDF (2kg/ton) (organic acid (FORMI)). The sixth treatment fed the basal diet with combination of (BioPlus® 2B, (400gm/ton) + TechnoMos® (500gm/ton) + FORMI® NDF (1kg/ton)) (combination (BTF)). Data showed that, the Heterophils/Lymphocyte ratio percentage value was significantly higher in Golden Montaza than Bandara. The highest value was found for organic acids (FORMI) group and the lowest value was found for probiotic (Bio Plus) group. As for the antibody titer before vaccination the highest values were found for pre (Tech) group in comparison to pre (Dia) group. And there were no significant differences between the control group and all treated groups. Also, the higher values of antibody titer against Newcastle vaccine after vaccination were found in pre (Tech.), org ((FORMI), combination (Bio, Tech and FORMI) and control groups compare to values were found in pre (Dia) and pro (Bio) groups. As for the differences titer between before and after vaccination against Newcastle disease virus, there were no significant differences.

Studies on the effect of different immunostimulants on chick's immune response to inactivated avian influenza and Newcastle Vaccines

Studies on the effect of different immunostimulants on chick's immune response to inactivated avian influenza and Newcastle Vaccines

The Effect of Tsukamurella inchonensis Bacterin on the Immune Response Against Influenza and Newcastle Disease Vaccines in Broiler Chickens

Background: In poultry production, improving immunity is very important to prevent infectious diseases. One solution to improve the immunity of animals and to decrease their susceptibility to infectious disease is administration of immunostimulants. Surveys have indicated that some bacteria can work as immunomodulators such as Mycobacterium vaccae and can promote Th1-mediated mechanisms, and switch off pre-existing Th2 preponderance (1). Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Tsukamurella inchonensis bacterin on the immune response against Influenza and Newcastle disease vaccine in broiler chickens . Materials and Methods: A total of 170 day-old broiler chicks were purchased and divided randomly into 5 equal groups. Chickens of group A received 106 bacterin subcutaneously on two days before vaccination against Newcastle disease and avian influenza. Chickens of group B received 106 bacterin subcutaneously on six days after the first injection of bacterin. Chickens of group C received 106bacterin subcutaneously on six days after the second injection of bacterin. Chickens of group D, vaccinated against Newcastle disease and avian influenza but did not receive bacterin. Chickens of group E, did not vaccinate against Newcastle disease and avian influenza and did not receive bacterin. All groups except group E, were vaccinated with live Newcastle vaccine and AI-ND killed vaccine (subtype H9N2). Blood samples were collected and antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine and avian influenza vaccine was determined by HI test. Results: The results of present study showed that receiving of Tsukamurella inchonensis bacterin for 3 times, significantly increased the specific antibody response to avian influenza subtype H9N2 vaccine. Also about Newcastle vaccine, significantly increased the specific antibody response to Newcastle vaccine at 21 and 28 days after vaccination. Conclusions: Receiving of Tsukamurella inchonensis bacterin can enhance immune response against NDV and AIV.

Plaque formation of Quesland V4 lentogenic strain of Newcastle disease virus adapted in chick embryo fibroblast cells

Vaccination is one of the important methods for preventing and controlling of the Newcastle disease in Iran. Inactivated Newcastle disease vaccine is produced in the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Iran, and is mainly used for vaccination against Newcastle disease. Clone vaccines are used in many countries nowadays. One of the ways for cloning a virus is propagation of the virus on cell cultures to obtain discrete plaques. In this study, monolayer chick embryo fibroblast (CEF) cell cultures were prepared by a standard method. Monolayer CEF cells were used for plaque production trial. Confluent monolayer CEF cells were in tissue culture plates and inoculated with avian paramyxovirus-1/chicken/Australia/Queensland/V4/1966 (QV4) (V4 seed of Newcastle vaccine) with 109.7 50 % egg infection dose. Various dilutions of the viruses were inoculated into monolayer CEF cell cultures that were supplemented with magnesium sulfate and trypsin and agar overlay medium. No plaques were observed on CEF tissue culture plates inoculated with V4 strain without adaptation. Eight discrete large and small plaques were obtained in the 10−5 dilution of adapted viruses (titer 3 × 107 plaque-forming units (PFU)/ml) with 2–4 mm diameter at 80 h post inoculation, and in the 10−7–10−10 dilution, there was no any plaque obtained. A dilution of 10−4 produced 28 plaques (1.75 × 108 PFU/ml) but not discrete plaque, and at 10−1–10−3 dilution, plaques were too much that they were not countable. Eight various plaques at 10−5 were collected and propagated for further investigations. The present assay is a useful tool for demonstration of discrete plaques using the adapted v4 of Newcastle disease virus within 3 days on monolayer CEF cell cultures covered with modified overlay media containing magnesium ions, diethylaminoethyl dextran, and ionoagar to ascertain the purity. This technique for plaque formation by v4 of Newcastle disease virus provides a method for establishing the purity of seed stock used in the production of vaccine.

The effect of Aquablend Avian probiotic®including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Bifidobacterium on systemic antibody response against Newcastle and Influenza disease vaccine in broiler chickens

Background: Finding alternatives to antibiotics for poultry production is very important because there are increasing concerns about antibiotic resistance. So, researchers have been directed to the research back to natural antimicrobial products. Some researchers stated that probiotics can stimulate the immune system and play an important role in shaping the immune system. Objectives: Theaimof this studywasto examine the effect of a commercial probiotic mixture (AquablendAvian®) supplementation to the drinking water of broiler chickens on the immune response against Newcastle and influenza diseases vaccines. Materials and Methods: In this study, 180 one-day-old broiler chickens were purchased and divided randomly into 3 groups (n = 60 for each group). Chickens in groups A and B received 300 mg of the probiotic in drinking water for first 3 days and first 7 days, respectively. Chickens in group C were kept as a control group and did not receive probiotic. All groups were vaccinated with live Newcastle vaccine (B1 strain) intraocularly on 8th day, and AI-ND killed vaccine (subtype H9N2) subcutaneously at the back of the neck on 8th day. Two mL of blood samples were collected before vaccination as well as on days 14, 28 and 35 postimmunization. Ten chickens of each group were bled randomly and an antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine and AI-ND killed vaccine(subtype H9N2) was determined by the hemagglutination-inhibition test. Results: The results of the present study showed that oral administration of the probiotic for 7 days significantly increased the specific antibody response to Newcastle vaccine compared to the control group (0.75 - 1.6 log, based on log2), while the probiotic administration had no significant effect on antibody productions against avian influenza vaccine as compared to the control group. Conclusions: Oral administration of Aquablend Avian® probiotic strains including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Bifidobacterium for 7 days can enhance the systemic antibody response to Newcastle vaccine in broiler chickens.

Effect of Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, Organic Acids and Enzymes Supplementation on broiler Chicks’ Immunity in relation to the Economic Performance

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different feed additives (Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, Organicacids and Enzymes) on chicks’ immunity (Antibody titer against Newcastle vaccine, differential leukocyte count, totalproteins, albumin and globulin value) and economic efficiency analysis by using production functions under summercondition. Our results showed that, enzyme treated group recorded the highest value of white blood cells. Organic acidstreated group for Ross breed showed the highest value for lymphocyte percentage. Heterophils percentage value was thehighest for probiotics and synbiotics treated group. Concerning antibody titer to vaccination against Newcastle, we foundthat all the experimental groups had a positive effect on antibody titer. Regarding, albumin value, it was the highest forprobiotic treated group, while globulin value for Cobb breed showed higher value for all treated groups in comparison tocontrol group except for probiotic treated group. Regarding the effect of these additives on body weight and total return,we found positive relationship between feed additives and body weight and total return. On the basis of our results, itwould be concluded that probiotics, prebiotic, synbiotic, organic acids and enzymes had positive effect on immunity andeconomic performance of broiler chicken.

Effect of dietary probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation on performance, immune responses, intestinal morphology and bacterial populations in broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of probiotic (Primalac), prebiotic (TechnoMos) and synbiotic (Primalac + TechnoMos) supplementation on performance, immune responses, intestinal morphology and bacterial populations of ileum in broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups which included 60 birds. Control group did not receive any treatment. The chicks in the second, third and fourth groups were fed probiotic (0.9g/kg), prebiotic (0.9g/kg) and probiotic (0.9g/kg) plus probiotic (0.9g/kg; synbiotic), respectively, at entire period. Daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were evaluated. The birds were immunized by sheep red blood cell (SRBC) on days 12 and 29 of age and serum antibody titres were measured on days 28, 35 and 42. Newcastle vaccines administered on days 9, 18 and 27 to chicks and blood samples were collected on day 42. Intestinal morphometric assessment and enumeration of intestinal bacterial populations were performed on day 42. The results indicated that consumption of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic had no significant effect on daily feed intake, daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, intestinal morphology and bacterial populations of ileum (p>0.05). Consumption of prebiotic increased total and IgM anti-SRBC titres on days 28 and 42 and antibody titre against Newcastle virus disease on day 42 (p<0.05). Synbiotic increased only total anti-SRBC on day 28 (p<0.05). It is concluded that consumption of prebiotic increased humoral immunity in broilers. Therefore, supplementation of diet with prebiotic for improvement of humoral immune responses is superior to synbiotic supplementation.

Effects of heat stress on peripheral T and B lymphocyte profiles and IgG and IgM serum levels in broiler chickens vaccinated for Newcastle disease virus

Multiple factors, such as environment, nutritional status, and disease, induce stress in animals during livestock production. It has been shown that poultry exposed to stressors for prolonged periods had decreases in their performance parameters, mortality and decreased host resistance to pathogenic agents. It seems that early age stress may have long-lasting impact and could possibly modify the expression of their genetic potential on growth performance and immunity. This study aimed to discuss the effects of early-age heat stress on the blood lymphocyte phenotypes (B and T lymphocytes) and plasma immunoglobulin levels (IgM and IgG) in chickens vaccinated against paramixovirus of the Newcastle (NC) disease (LaSota strain). For this purpose, 96 male chickens (Cobb) were divided into 4 groups: 1) control (C), 2) heat-stressed (HS), 3) control vaccinated (C/V), and 4) heat-stressed and Vaccinated (HS/V). The NC vaccine was administered twice on experimental day (ED) 7 and ED14, and the heat stress (38± 1°C) was applied from ED2 to ED6. The data showed that HS increased the corticosterone serum levels in the HS group compared with the control groups (C and C/V groups). At ED7, increased concentrations of IgM were observed in birds in the HS and HS/V groups compared with C and C/V animals; chickens from the HS/V group presented increased IgG levels compared with those in the birds of the C group. The heat stress shifted the immune cell profile from B-lymphocyte to a T-cytotoxic and T-helper lymphocyte profile, and this immune cell pattern persisted until the end of the study period. It was concluded that heat stress immunomodulated the immune function response of the chickens to the NC disease vaccine challenge.

Effects of physical form of diet and intensity and duration of feed restriction on the growth performance, blood variables, microbial flora, immunity, and carcass and organ characteristics of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of physical form of diet and duration and intensity of feed restriction on growth performance, carcass and organ characteristics, immunity, cecal microbiota, and hematology of broiler chickens. Four hundred male broiler chickens (approximately 44.0g) were randomly assigned to 10 treatment groups with 4 replicate cages with 10 broiler chickens per cage. Dietary treatments consisted of diet form (pellet and mash), intensity of feed restriction (12.5 and 25%), and duration of feed restriction (7 and 14d) in a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Two additional treatments, pellet and mash control diets without feed restrictions, were included. Feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG) were recorded weekly. At the end of the study (at 42d of age), 1 chicken per replication and 4 chickens per treatment were selected for blood collection. Carcass composition, cecum microflora, and characteristics of gastrointestinal tracts were also assessed. The humoral immune responses of chickens to Newcastle vaccine, influenza vaccine, and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were measured at 15 and 26, 31 and 40, and 28 and 35 d of age, respectively. Broiler chickens fed the pelleted diet had greater FI (P<0.01), WG (P<0.01), carcass weight (P<0.01), and breast (P<0.01) relative to the carcass weight, better feed conversion ratio (P<0.01), and lower weight of pancreas (P<0.01), duodenum (P=0.02), and cecum (P<0.01) relative to the carcass weight than those fed the mash diet. Compared with broiler chickens fed the mash diet, the Lactobacillus concentration in cecum decreased (P<0.01) and plasma total protein and globulin concentrations increased (P=0.01 and 0.02, respectively) in those fed the pelleted diet. Physical form of the diet did not affect antibody titres against Influenza, Newcastle disease, and SRBC. Within the diet form, feed restriction had a limited influence on the traits studied at slaughter compared with the pellet or mash diet feed restriction. In conclusion, the diet form played an important role on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens, whereas the feed restriction seemed to be insufficient to markedly improve the feed conversion ratio and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens at slaughter.