SVIBOR - Project code: 3-03-290

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Project code: 3-03-290

IMMUNE RESPONSE AS A MARKER OF NEEDS ON VITAMINS IN CHICKEN

Main researcher: ŠERMAN, VLASTA (46523)

Assistants

MAS, NORA (34681)
DUMANOVSKY, FRANJO (111051)

Type of research: applied
Duration from: 04/30/91. to 12/31/94.

Papers on project (total): 60

Institution name: Veterinarski fakultet, Zagreb (53)
Department/Institute: Department for animal nutrition
Address: Heinzelova 55
City: 10000 - Zagreb, Croatia

Communication: Phone: 385 (0)290 270; Fax: 385 (0)290 111

Summary: 1. experiment The influence of increased amount of vitamins A and E respectively in a diet of fattening chicks to the immune response of animals and to production results was examined during the 42 days of fattening. The immune response and the bursa Fabritius index were better the higher were the supplements of vitamin A and vitamin E respectively in the diet. The highest values were obtained three weeks after the vaccination in groups fed by starter feed containing 50,000 IU vitamin A and 120 IU vitamin E per kilogram and by finisher feed containing 40,000 IU of vitamin A and 100 IU of vitamin E per kilogram of feed. Increased amount of vitamins A and E in a diet did not show any significant influence to the body weight and feed conversion compared with the control group fed by normal starter feed (12,500 IU of vitamin A and 30 IU of vitamin E per kilogram) and normal finisher feed (10,000 IU of vitamin A and 25 IU of vitamin E per kilogram).After comparison of the immune response to Newcastle disease vaccine among the groups it was faund that the highest amount of vitamin A provoked the best response. However, HI titers were the best only three weeks after the vaccination. These results indicate that more vitamin A in starter feed had benefical effecton immune response. Based on this, it is better to reduce the amounts of vitamin A in finisher feed. The best immune response measured by HI titres of specific antibodies had the group with the highst amount of vitamin E. Titers in all other groups after age of 21 days started to decrease until the 28th day. Index of bursa Fabricius measured at age of 42 days was the highest and similar to results of control group. 2. experiment The effect of the increased amounts of Vitamin A and E on the development of immunocompetent organs in chickens have been investigated during a period of 42 days. The results indicate that usage of Vitamin A in the quantity three times larger than recommended in pratice (starter 12500 IU and finisher 10000 IU per kilogram) had the most favorable effects on the development of bursa Fabricius and on the absolute and relative mass of spleen. In the trial with Vitamin E the biggest absolute and relative mass of spleen was achieved with the quantity of Vitamin E three times larger than the usual one. The best effect on the bursa Fabricius had the usual 30 IU (starter) and 25 IU (finisher) Vitamin E. Larger quantities of Vitamin E had deppresive effects on the development of this organ.Neither one of these two vitamins had significant effects on the immune response to the vaccinal virus of Newcastle Disease. 3. experiment The influence of increased amount of Vitamin C in a diet of fattening chicks to production results and to the immune response to Newcastle Disease vaccine was investigated. The added of Vitamin C (2 g/l and 4 g/l water) did not have any significant effect on the body weight, but feed conversion was better compared to a control group. In the stress condition Vitamin C had the most favorable effect on the development of body mass than on the immune responce after the vaccination.

Keywords: vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, chicks, nutrition, body mass gain, conversion, immune response, HI titres, bursa Fabricius, Newcastle disease vaccine

Research goals: The goal of the research was to estimate vitamins needs in poultry with respect to the development of immune system and its functionality. If these criteria prove themselves as the suitable base for estimation of needs in case of vitamins A and E, the research would be extended to water soluble vitamins (B complex and C) in the future. The results of the research are expected to improve specific health protection in poultry production.

Other information about the project.


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