Cellular and Humoral Immune Response in Vertically Transmitted Salmonella isolates in Broiler Chickens: A Case Study of Ogun, Oyo and Lagos States, Nigeria

This study investigated the humoral and cellular immune response in vertically transmitted salmonellaisolates in broiler chickens in some selected states of South-Western Nigeria and its control through the use of feed additives. Anak 2000 day-old broiler chickens totaling 360 (120 birds from each state) were collected from hatcheries that were positive to Salmonella organisms and used for performance testing which lasted for 8 weeks. The birds were laid out in a 3x5 factorial arrangement comprising of 5 dietary treatments including a control and 4 different feed additives (mannose oligosaccharide (MOS), arabinoxylose oligosaccharide (AXOS) and Pediococus acidilactici (SIML) and antibiotic; Oxytetracycline). Blood samples were collected from the birds and their total and differential white blood cells were determined while humoral antibody titre to Salmonella was performed.

Total white blood cells (TWBC) was significantly (P<0.05) increased in the control diet across the locations compared to lower values in other dietary treatments applied. Neutrophil was significantly (P<0.05) increased across the location and decrease with various dietary treatments while Lymphocyte and Basophil values varied significantly (P<0.05) across the locations and the treatments. Monocyte and Eosinophil were not affected by both location of the hatchery and additives. Salmonella antibody titre ≤ 1:20 for ‘O’ and ‘H’ antigen was observed in all birds from various location after treatment with antibiotic (oxytetracyline) and significant reduction of salmonella antibody among birds fed with MOS, AXOS and SIML.

Inclusion of probiotic and prebiotic additives are effective and safe methods for prevention of Salmonellainfection in broiler chickens and enhance poultry productivity.