Effect of wheat germ oil and ascorbic acid supplementation on the immune response of broiler chicks to ND vaccines

ABSTRACT

In the present study, the effect of wheat germ oil as source of vitamin E and ascorbic acid as source of vitamin C on the immune response of broiler chicks to ND vaccine was determined. Four groups of chicks were used. Group 1 was vaccinated with 2 doses of ND vaccines [Hitchner then Lasota] and simultaneously supplemented with wheat germ oil via oral administration for 15 days. Group 2 was vaccinated with 2 doses of live ND vaccines [Hitchner then Lasota strains] and simultaneously supplemented with ascorbic acid via oral administration for 15 days. Group 3 was vaccinated with 2 doses of ND vaccines [Hitchner then Lasota strains]. Group 4 was kept non-vaccinated as control chicks. All birds were monitored weekly for the humeral and cellular immune response then challenged with the virulent NDV at 35 days of age. HI test for titration of antibodies for NDV, phagocytic activity, Nitric oxide, Lysozyme activity and total antioxidant in serum were used to determine the immune response of the chicks. Protective immunity induced in the vaccinated groups was varied. 80 and 60% protection were obtained in chicks vaccinated and supplemented with wheat germ [group 1] and ascorbic acid [group 2]; respectively. Live ND vaccinated group showed 60% protection. The present study reports the effect of supplementation of wheat germ [vitamin E] as immunostimulant in augmentation of the immune response ND vaccines