Evaluation of subcutaneous chambers as an alternative to conventional methods of antibody production in chickens

We compared antibody levels among serum, egg yolk extract, and granuloma fluid in chickens immunized with bovine serum albumin (BSA). One group of hens was immunized by intramuscular and subcutaneous injection of bovine serum albumin in complete Freund's adjuvant, followed by two subsequent booster injections in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Two other groups were surgically implanted with plastic, perforated wiffle balls (subcutaneous chambers). After a 30-day recovery period, one of the groups with subcutaneous chambers was immunized with BSA in sterile water with two subsequent boosts. The other group was injected with only sterile water. Serum samples, eggs, and granuloma fluid were collected biweekly and analyzed to determine specific IgG, total IgG, and total protein. The subcutaneous chambers were well tolerated. Quantitative ELISAs of serum, egg yolk extract, and granuloma fluid specimens disclosed that specific antibody levels were present in all specimens by 2 weeks after primary immunization. During the course of the experiment, specific antibody levels of serum and egg yolk specimens were significantly higher than those of granuloma fluid (P less than 0.05). However, an additional injection of antigen into the subcutaneous chambers resulted in specific antibody levels in granuloma fluid specimens that were comparable to those of serum and egg yolk extract. Use of subcutaneous chambers in chickens may be a viable alternative to routine antibody production methods.