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Growth promotion in chickens by interleukin-2
G W Ford1, J P Thaxton, T L Fredricksen
1Poultry Science Department, Mississippi State University, 39762, USA.
Growth, Development, and Aging : GDA
|April 9, 2002
Summary
Administering chicken interleukin-2 (cIL-2) to broiler eggs improved body weight and organ development. However, cell-mediated immunity was not significantly enhanced by this in ovo treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Avian Physiology
Background:
- Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine crucial for immune cell proliferation and function.
- In ovo administration of immunomodulatory agents is being explored to enhance poultry health and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of in ovo administration of chicken interleukin-2 (cIL-2) on broiler growth, organ development, and cell-mediated immunity.
Main Methods:
- Fertile broiler eggs received cIL-2 or distilled water (control) on Day 18 of embryonation.
- Chicks were reared to 6 weeks, with body weight and relative organ weights (fat pad, liver, bursa, thymus, spleen, gonads) measured.
- Hematological parameters (hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma protein) and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to human gamma globulin (HGG) were assessed.
Main Results:
- In ovo cIL-2 administration consistently increased body weight and affected relative organ weights (fat pad, bursa, liver, thymus) at various time points.
- Hemoglobin and plasma protein levels were also elevated in cIL-2 treated chicks.
- The DTH response, a measure of cell-mediated immunity, was not significantly altered by the in ovo cIL-2 treatment.
Conclusions:
- In ovo cIL-2 administration positively influences broiler growth and certain organ development.
- The study suggests potential metabolic effects of cIL-2 during embryonic development.
- In ovo cIL-2 did not enhance the measured cell-mediated immune response in broiler chickens.
