Effect of partial supplementation of sun-dried Azolla as a protein source on the immunity and antioxidant status of commercial broilers

Abstract

Aim:

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of partial supplementation of sun-dried Azolla as a protein source on the immunity of commercial broilers in coastal Odisha.

Materials and Methods:

A 180 day-old broiler chicks were distributed in six dietary treatments viz. C ₁: Basal diet, C ₂: Basal diet + enzyme, T ₁: Basal diet +5% protein from Azolla, T ₂: Basal diet + 5% protein from Azolla + enzyme, T ₃: Basal diet +10% protein from Azolla, and T ₄: Basal diet + 10% protein from Azolla + enzyme. Cutaneous basophilc hypersensitivity (CBH) and humoral immunity response were determined at the 38 ^th day of age. At 42 ^nd day, the weight of lymphoid organs, an antioxidant enzyme, and lipid peroxidation activity were determined.

Results:

The CBH response did not differ significantly among the treated groups, but the sheep red blood cells response was significantly higher in T ₄. The weight of lymphoid organs or immune organs of all the treated groups did not differ significantly (p>0.05). The erythrocyte catalase level of T ₄ group was found to be significantly higher than rest of the treated groups except T ₃.

Conclusion:

It may be concluded that supplementation of Azolla at 10% of dietary protein requirement along with enzyme supplementation in an isonitrogenous diet showed a better immune response in broilers.