Phytoncides in the prevention and therapy of blackhead disease and their effect on the turkey immune system
Published Online: Jan 29, 2021
Page range: 79 - 85
Received: Jul 23, 2020
Accepted: Jan 20, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jvetres-2021-0010
Keywords
© 2021 B. Tykałowski et al. published by Sciendo
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.
Introduction
Turkey histomonosis poses a serious threat to poultry production due to the ban on the use of effective drugs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a phytoncidal feed supplement on the course of histomonosis. The preparation was also analysed for immunomodulatory properties.
Material and Methods
Clinical observations and production monitoring were conducted in a flock of turkeys with histomonosis from their 11th to 56th weeks of life which were treated with the adiCoxSOLPF soluble supplement in a dose of 2.5 mL/L water. Later the preparation was used in a preventive dose (1 mL/L). The influence on the immune system was evaluated in broiler turkeys having been given adiCoxSOLPF for 3 days in doses of 1 or 3 mL/L. The T and B lymphocyte percentages in turkey blood and spleen tissue were analysed with flow cytometry. ELISA was implemented to evaluate antibody titres after
Results
AdiCoxSOLPF was found effective in therapy and prevention of histomonosis. Additionally, adiCoxSOLPF stimulated both humoral and cell-mediated immune mechanisms, without impairing the functions of internal organs. The treated turkeys also yielded better production results (eggs/hen, fertility, and hatchability).
Conclusion
AdiCoxSOLPF possesses immunomodulatory properties and it can be used successfully in the prevention and therapy of histomonosis in turkeys.