Immunomodulation and strengthening of serum mineral profile by dietary supplementation of protein, probiotics and vitamins (C and E) in molted layer breeders.

This study was executed to test the effect of low crude protein (12% CP), probiotics (Protexin (R)), vitamins (C and E) and combination of these treatments on serum mineral profile, cell mediated and humoral immunity of molted White Leghorn breeder males. Birds of 59 weeks age (n=270) were maintained at animal house of Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, for this study. Normal breeder diet containing crude protein (CP) 16% (140 g/bird/day) was provided with fresh drinking water (ad libitum) and daily lighting schedule of 16 hours was fixed. After one week acclimatization, all the birds were forced molted by dietary ZnO (3g/Kg diet) until desired body weight reduction. These birds were divided into six groups (45 birds/group), post molting. Group A served as a control (normal diet). Other Groups were supplemented with diet containing vitamin C (500 mg/Kg), vitamin E (90 mg/Kg), probiotics (0.05 g/Kg), 12% CP and a combination of the aforementioned supplementations, respectively. Serum samples were collected for five consecutive weeks at one week interval after the start of semen production. Significant (P <= 0.05) increase in serum concentrations of sodium, magnesium and calcium were found in vitamin E supplemented group. Macrophage engulfment percentage was also higher in both opsonized and unopsonized conditions (60 and 90 min) in vitamin E supplemented group. Moreover, serum antibody titers against ND (heamagglutination inhibition) and IB (indirect ELISA) were improved. In conclusion, vitamin E may be the best option for improving health and immunity against these diseases, during post molt period.