Supplementation of broiler chicken diets with bovine lactoferrin improves growth performance, histological parameters of jejunum and immune‐related gene expression

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary supplementation of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) on growth performance, carcass traits, histomorphology of jejunum, immune function and hepatic and splenic gene expression of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and interleukine‐2 (IL‐2) in broiler chickens. A total of 240 one‐day‐old Ross 308 male broiler chickens were randomly allotted into six dietary treatments with four replicate pens (10 chicks per pen) and fed experimental diet in 3 feeding phases (starter: d 0–10, grower: d 11–24 and finisher: d 25–42). The experimental treatments were (1) corn–soya bean meal‐based basal diet (control), (2–5) basal diet supplemented with 200, 400, 600, 800 mg/kg bLF, respectively, and (6) basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg oxytetracycline (OTC). The average body weight gain (ABWG) of broilers fed 800 mg/kg bLF was 8.48% higher than those fed a corn–soybean meal‐based diet during the starter period (d 0–10) (linear effect, p = 0.002; quadratic effect, p = 0.24). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected (p>0.05) by bLF supplementation. At 42 days of age, the breast meat percentage and carcass yield of broilers fed 800 mg/kg bLF compared with the control group significantly increased by 9.51% and 6.03% respectively (p < 0.05). Compared with the chicks fed the control diet, the chicks fed diets supplemented with bLF had higher villus height, muscle thickness and villus surface area (p > 0.05). Dietary bLF inclusion increased the total immunoglobulin (IgT) titre against sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) antigen (linear effect, p = 0.031; quadratic effect, p = 0.035) and improved the phytohaemagglutinin‐P (PHA‐P)‐skin test of broilers. Compared with the control, bLF enhanced the gene expression of IFN‐γ in spleen (p = 0.048, linear effect, p = 0.009; quadratic effect, p = 0.093) and liver (p = 0.012, linear effect, p = 0.008; quadratic effect, p = 0.01) and IL‐2 expression in spleen (p = 0.021, linear effect, p = 0.026; quadratic effect, p = 0.103). The bLF supplementation had no effect on IL‐2 gene expression in liver (p > 0.05, linear effect, p = 0.213; quadratic effect, p = 0.159). In conclusion, we found that supplementation of broiler diets with 800 mg/kg bLF can improve the growth performance, carcass yield, cell‐mediated and antibody‐mediated immune responses and enhance the IL‐2 and IFN‐γ gene expression of broilers.

Dietary Lactoferrin Supplementation Improves Growth Performance and Intestinal Health of Juvenile Orange-Spotted Groupers (Epinephelus coioides)

“…We observed an increase in the lMF in the MI, and the tML in the MI and DI in a dose-dependent manner with increasing LF levels in high-SBM diets. Consistent with the results of our current study, dietary LF administration increased the height, width, and surface area of intestinal villi, the depth of the crypts, and the thickness of the muscular layer of broiler chickens [ 38 ]. The positive effect of dietary LF administration on the intestinal histomorphology of terrestrial animals has been widely recognized [ 72 , 73 , 74 ].…”

“…For example, LF administration could enhance the growth performance of early-weaned piglets and neonatal calves [ 36 , 37 ]. Recently, Olyayee reported a growth promotion and carcass yield of broiler chicken when fed a diet with 0.8 g/kg LF [ 38 ]. In fish, LF was used as a feed additive to promote the growth of farmed fish [ 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”

Effect of in ovo lactoferrin injection in Fayoumi chicken eggs on immune response and some physiological parameters in posthatch chicks

“…In prompting enterocyte proliferation (Blais et al, 2014). The specific Lf receptors are located in the brush border membrane of the small intestine that specifically binds to ingested Lf (Olyayee et al, 2023).…”

“…These responses to the Lf levels may be owing to the role of Lf in giving some positive alterations in intestinal microbiota, and higher immune response. Olyayee et al (2023) stated that Lf boosts jejunum histomorphological indices such as villus height and width, crypt depth, villus surface area, and muscular layer thickness of broilers. Wang et al (2006) noted that Lf significantly augmented villus height and diminished crypt depth, and improved the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the jejunum.…”

“…Notably, Lf protects against GIT infections (bacterial, viral, protozoal and fungal) (Artym & Zimecki, 2013). Therefore, the inclusion of Lf as an antibiotic growth promoter and natural feed additive in broiler diets can improve the immune function of birds (Olyayee et al, 2023).…”