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Autosomal albinism affects immunocompetence in the chicken
S L Pardue1, N M Ring, J R Smyth
1Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843.
Developmental and Comparative Immunology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Albino chicks show impaired absorption of maternal antibodies, not a weakened immune response. This suggests compromised antibody uptake contributes to neonatal mortality in these birds.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Animal Science
Background:
- The albinotic C locus influences immune responsiveness in neonatal and juvenile phenotypes.
- Phenotypes evaluated include normally pigmented (C+/-), recessive white (c/ca), and amelanotic albinos (ca/ca).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immune responsiveness of different albino phenotypes in chicks.
- To determine if impaired antibody absorption or active immune response capacity contributes to neonatal mortality in albino chicks.
Main Methods:
- Assessed primary and secondary agglutinin levels against sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and Brucella abortus (BA).
- Estimated cell-mediated immunity via in vivo mitogen stimulation.
- Investigated passive transfer of maternal antibodies and yolk sac content uptake at hatch.
Main Results:
- No differences in primary agglutinin levels or cell-mediated immunity were found between albino and normally pigmented chicks.
- Albino chicks exhibited impaired acquisition of passively transferred maternal Brucella abortus (BA) agglutinins.
- Yolk sac content uptake was significantly retarded in albino chicks at hatch.
Conclusions:
- Impaired absorption of maternal antibodies, rather than a deficient active immune response, is implicated in neonatal mortality of albino chicks.
- The ability to absorb maternal antibodies is crucial for neonatal survival in albino chicks.