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Conjugated linoleic acid enhanced the immune function in broiler chicks
Haijun Zhang1, Yuming Guo, Jianmin Yuan
1Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, P. R. China.
The British Journal of Nutrition
|November 10, 2005
Summary
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation enhanced immune responses in broiler chicks, including increased lysozyme activity and antibody production. However, CLA did not significantly affect overall growth performance in the study.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of fatty acids with potential health benefits.
- Understanding CLA's impact on broiler chicken immunity and growth is crucial for poultry production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the growth performance and immune responses of broiler chicks.
- To determine optimal CLA inclusion levels for enhancing broiler chicken health.
Main Methods:
- Two hundred and forty Arbor Acre male broiler chicks were fed diets with varying CLA levels (0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 g/kg) for 6 weeks.
- Evaluated growth performance, lysozyme activity, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis, and antibody production.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in growth performance were observed across different CLA treatments.
- Chicks fed 10.0 g/kg CLA showed significantly higher lysozyme activity and enhanced PBMC proliferation.
- CLA supplementation decreased prostaglandin E2 synthesis and increased antibody production in broiler chicks.
Conclusions:
- Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) effectively enhances the immune response in broiler chicks.
- CLA supplementation does not negatively impact broiler growth performance, suggesting potential for improved poultry health.