Article Abstract

Volume 24, No. (6), 2014 (December)
EFFECT OF CHROMIUM PROPIONATE ON THE HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE AND PERFORMANCE OF BROILERS VACCINATED AGAINST NEWCASTLE DISEASE IN THE TROPICS
D. C. Eze1, E. C. Okwor1, W. U. Anike1, H. M. Kazeem2 and K. A. Majiyagbe2

D. C. Eze1, E. C. Okwor1, W. U. Anike1, H. M. Kazeem2 and K. A. Majiyagbe2

1Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

2Department of Parasitology and Microbiology Ahmedu Bello University Zaria

Corresponding Author: didacus.eze@unn.edu.ng
DOI: NA
Page Number(s): 1709-1715
Published Online First: December 01, 2014
Publication Date: December 01, 2014
ABSTRACT

Chromium (Cr) has been considered as an essential micronutrient for humans and animals by nutritionists. The primary role of Cr in metabolism is in enhancing the glucose uptake by the cells. Its supplementation reduces the negative effects of environmental stress. Newcastle Disease (ND) virus potentially infects most species of birds, and for susceptible poultry it is highly contagious and usually fatal. Humoral immune responses indicated that total antibody titers to ND vaccines were much higher in groups I, III, and V chicks that received Chromium Propionate (Cr-Prop) when compared to groups II and IV that did not received Cr-Prop. Humoral immune responses of group I (2.1) was higher than group II (1.9) while that in group III (2.3) was higher than group IV (1.3) and group V had (2.5). Cr-Prop supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) increased body weights of the broilers. The body weight in group I (3.23Kg) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in group II (2.55Kg), while, those in group III (3.13Kg) were higher than those in groups IV (2.62Kg) and V (3.29 Kg). The weekly mean body weight gains of the treated groups I, III and V at the end of the study were significantly (p ≥ 0.05) higher than those of untreated groups II and IV. The feed conversion ratio revealed variable significant (p ≥ 0.05) differences which did not reflect dietary inclusion of organic Cr-Prop. Cr-Prop supplementation improved the immune response to ND vaccine and the performance of broiler such as live body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake and feed conversion ratio in broilers.

Keywords: Chromium propionate·Newcastle disease·Immune response·Broiler performance· Vaccination
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JCR Year: 2025

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Journal Impact Factor: 0.5

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Print ISSN: 1018-7081

Electronic ISSN: 2309-8694

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