Immunomodulation by probiotic lactobacilli in layer- and meat-type chickens

Abstract

1. The aim of the experiments was to evaluate whether selected probiotic lactobacillus strains have different immunomodulating effects in layer- and meat-type strain chickens. 2. Humoral and cellular specific and non-specific immune responses were studied by experiments on cellular proliferation, entry and survival of Salmonella bacteria in gut and spleen leukocytes, immunoglobulin isotypes and specific immunoglobulin titres. 3. The effects of two different feeding regimes (short and continuous feeding) and doses for administration of lactobacilli were studied. 4. The lactobacillus strains that were evaluated showed modulating effects on the immune system of layer- and meat-type chickens. 5. In meat-type strain chickens the lactobacilli had a stimulating effect when the chickens were young (up to 3 weeks) and the dose was relatively high, whereas in layer-type chickens a lower effective dose and discontinuous administration was also effective. 6. Immunoprobiotic lactobacilli can have a positive effect on humoral and cellular immune responses in layer- and meat-type strain chickens, but the lactobacillus strain to be used, the age of the animals and effective dose of lactobacilli to be administered need to be optimised.

A Trial to Prevent Salmonella Enteritidis Infection in Broiler Chickens Using Autogenous Bacterin Compared with Probiotic Preparation

“…Our findings concerning the immunopotantiation caused by probiotic administration concur with Pollmann et al, (1980); Zulkifli et al, (2000); Toms and Powvie (2001) ;Huang et al, (2004); Koenen et al, (2004). Also, Sevage et al, (1996) and Panda et al, (2000) demonstrated an increase in the serum immunoglobulins IgG and IgA after administration of competitive exclusion cultures.…”

Effect of spray application ofLactobacillus plantarumonin vivoperformance, caecal fermentations and haematological traits of suckling rabbits

“…The CONT group had higher levels of red blood cells, haemoglobin and haematocrit, but it is important to consider that the recorded values of these parameters fall in the physiological ranges for post weaning rabbits (slightly higher for haematocrit) as reported by Archetti et al (2008): red blood cells 3.5-6.6¥10 6 ¥mL; haemoglobin 6.7-12.7 g/dL; haematocrit 18.9-34.7%. Studies on chickens (Koenen et al, 2004) showed a positive humoral and cellular immune response using a Lactobacillus-based probiotic. In our trial, L. plantarum was identified in the caecal content of young rabbits from the LAC group but not in the control group.…”

Natural plant extracts and prebiotic compounds as alternatives to antibiotics in broiler chicken diets in a necrotic enteritis challenge model

“…For a product to be effective, it must simulate one or more of the mechanisms by which IFAs function. It is believed that immune stimulation in meat-type chickens is important because these birds have lower antibody responses and non-specific proliferative responses than do layer-type strains (Koenen et al 2004). McReynolds et al (2004) reported that immunosuppression increases the severity of NE in broilers.…”