Immunomodulating effects antibiotics in chickens

Abstract EN

Evaluation of the effect of common antibiotics used in the farm production, on the immune system of chickens during the 21 days of life were investigated.

A total of 60, one-day old chicks were divided into four equal groups and was raised for 30 days.

Three groups were treated with Ampicillin, Enrofloxacin & Amoxycillin respectively whereas the4"'group was served as control.

Antibiotic treatment was similar to regimen used in commercial chicken production, which included utilization of antibiotic at I41 day of life and after vaccination.

Body weight, bursa of fabricius weight and bursa of fabricius to body weight ratio were calculated in order to monitor the growth rate of bursa during the 2 I days of life.

All birds were vaccinated against ND at 7&21days of age.

Blood samples were collected at 14&29 days of age.

Blood total protein, albumin and globulin were determined.

Antibiotic treatment often resulted in significant decrease (P < 0.05) bursa of fabricius weight &.

bursa of fabricius ratio at 14 days of age.

Total protein, albumin & globulin were also decreased in the antibiotic treated groups in comparson with control group; but, there were no significant differences among treated groups