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Increased fat deposition after repeated immunization in growing chickens
H K Parmentier1, S Bronkhorst, M G B Nieuwland
1Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen Institute of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, The Netherlands. hank.parmentier@genr.vh.wau.nl
Poultry Science
|September 25, 2002
Summary
Repeatedly immunizing growing chickens stimulated fat deposition but did not significantly alter most metabolic or immune responses. Antibody production to new antigens showed varied effects in these birds.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Immunology
- Poultry Nutrition
Background:
- The impact of repeated immune system activation on metabolic processes in poultry is not fully understood.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing layer chicken growth and health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sequential protein antigen immunizations on metabolic parameters and antibody responses in growing layer chickens.
- To compare energy and immune parameters between repeatedly immunized birds and control groups.
Main Methods:
- Growing layer chickens were sequentially immunized with seven different protein antigens across three trials.
- Metabolic parameters (growth, food uptake, heat production, metabolizability, energy retention) and antibody titers were measured.
- Repeatedly immunized birds were compared to control groups in climate-respiration chambers.
Main Results:
- Repeated immunization significantly increased energy retention as fat in chickens (P < 0.05).
- Antibody titers to the final antigen (BSA) were similar between groups.
- Baseline antibody titers to new antigens were higher in repeatedly immunized birds, with varied effects on subsequent antibody increases.
Conclusions:
- Repeated activation of the humoral immune response in growing layer chickens stimulates fat deposition.
- Metabolic parameters, other than fat retention, were minimally affected by repeated immunizations.
- Repeated immunization had limited impact on the immune response to individual antigens in this study.