Intermittent and Mild Cold Stimulation Maintains Immune Function Stability through Increasing the Levels of...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Physiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Broilers face challenges adapting to low-temperature environments and acute cold stress (ACS).
• Understanding the physiological mechanisms behind cold adaptation is crucial for improving broiler welfare and productivity.
• Existing methods for enhancing cold tolerance in poultry require optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of intermittent moderate cold stimulation (IMCS) in improving broiler adaptability to low temperatures.
• To investigate the impact of IMCS on broiler production performance under cold stress conditions.
• To analyze the effects of IMCS on intestinal barrier gene expression and immune responses.

Main Methods:

• 240 one-day-old broilers were divided into control and cold-stimulated groups (CS3, CS6).
• Cold stimulation involved exposure to 3°C below conventional temperature for 3 or 6 hours daily.
• Production performance, intestinal barrier gene expression (Claudin-1, E-cadherin, Occludin, ZO-1, ZO-2, Mucin2), secretory IgA, and serum immunoglobulins were assessed before and after acute cold stress (ACS).

Main Results:

• IMCS significantly increased daily weight gain and decreased feed conversion ratio.
• During IMCS, expression of intestinal barrier genes and secretory IgA levels were upregulated.
• Post-IMCS, serum immunoglobulins stabilized, and key intestinal barrier genes (Occludin, ZO-2, Mucin2) remained elevated, conferring enhanced resistance to ACS.

Conclusions:

• Intermittent moderate cold stimulation is an effective strategy for enhancing broiler adaptability and resilience to cold stress.
• IMCS positively influences broiler growth performance and strengthens intestinal barrier integrity and immune function.
• The observed improvements in intestinal barrier genes and secretory IgA suggest a robust defense mechanism against acute cold challenges.