Maternal Vitamin E Alters Passively Acquired Immunity of Chicks

Abstract

Passively transferred antibody levels were significantly increased in plasma of two- and seven-day-old chicks when the dams were fed 150 and 450 p.p.m. vitamin E prior to immunization with Brucella abortus. However, if the hens were fed 90, 300 and 900 p.p.m. vitamin E before immunization, the chicks evidenced no increase in antibody titers relative to controls. This nonlinear antibody response by the reticulo-endothelial system to vitamin E confirms in Gallus domesticus similar results reported for other species.

Effect of β-Carotene, Canthaxanthin, Lutein, and Vitamin E on Neonatal Immunity of Chicks When Supplemented in the Broiler Breeder Diets

“…Conversely, chicks from hens supplemented with vitamin E had significantly higher antibody titers at 1 and 7 d of age than chicks from the control group (Table 6). Jackson et al (1978) attributed this phenomenon to selective antibody absorption by ovarian tissue. This nonlinear antibody response of chicks from hens fed different treatment diets is also similar to results reported by Bliznakov and Aldler (1972) and Heinzerling (1974).…”

“…Numerically, the antibody titer of 2-and 3-wk-old chicks hatched from hens receiving diets supplemented with carotenoid or vitamin E were also higher than the chicks from hens receiving no supplement in the diet, but the differences were not significant. Jackson et al (1978) and Nockels (1979) have shown that passively transferred antibody levels were significantly increased in the plasma of 2-and 7-d-old chicks when hens were fed high levels of vitamin E in the diet. Babinszky et al (1991) reported increased IgG levels in serum of 1-wk-old piglets when vitamin E was supplemented to sow diets.…”

“…There were no significant differences in the antibody titers of 21-d-old chicks hatched from breeders fed any of the supplemented diets (Table 4). Jackson et al (1978) showed improved antibody titers in 2-and 7-d-old chicks when immunized hens were fed higher levels of vitamin E (150 ppm). Babinszky et al (1991) reported increased IgG levels in serum of 1-wk-old piglets when vitamin E was supplemented in sow diets.…”

“…Thus, diets containing supplemental /3-carotene plus vitamin E, when fed to breeder birds, may increase the immune responses of their progeny. Jackson et al (1978) and Nockels (1979) both demonstrated that passively transferred antibody levels were significantly increased in plasma of chicks when hens were fed high levels of vitamin E. They also reported that sufficient vitamin E could be transferred from the hen to the chick to effectively stimulate the immune system in the chicks themselves. This study was conducted to determine the effect of /3-carotene, canthaxanthin, lutein, vitamin E, and /3-carotene in combination with vitamin E on the immune responses of chickens.…”

Immune function across generations: integrating mechanism and evolutionary process in maternal antibody transmission

“…Maternal dietary status may also influence transmission of antibodies via the yolk sac in birds. Maternal dietary vitamin E restriction decreases antibody transmission to eggs in chickens ( Jackson et al 1978) and in serins (Serinus serinus), food availability around the nest site is significantly positively correlated with offspring antibody response to SRBCs (Hoi- Leitner et al 2001).…”