Immunity is the ability of body to defend itself against diseases causing organisms. Body’s defense mechanism against harmful substances and microorganisms is called as immune response. The immune response in poultry involves the thymus, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and other organs.
Poultry immunity is comprised of both innate (non- specific) and adaptive (specific) immune system.
INNATE (NON-SPECIFIC): It is first line of defense and present from birth. It includes cellular components like heterophils, macrophages, Natural killer cells, dendritic cells.
ADAPTIVE (SPECIFIC): It develops over time after infection or vaccination. It includes B lymphocytes and antibodies. It is important for neutralizing extracellular pathogens.
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR AFFECTING IMMUNITY:
1. Disease: Disease significantly impacts immunity by directly damaging immune organs. There are certain diseases which suppress the immune
system and make bird more vulnerable to secondary infections.
2. Vaccination: Vaccination plays an important role in developing and strengthening immune system, helping birds to resist infectious diseases and reduce the need of antibiotics.
3. Nutrition: Nutrition is the most critical factor which influence the immune system. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to immunosuppression, poor vaccine response and increase diseases susceptibility.
4. Genetics: Different breeds, strains, and even individual birds have inherent differences. This factor influences development and efficiency of both innate and adaptive immunity.
5. Stress: Birds are highly sensitive to environmental fluctuations, and any deviation from optimal conditions can suppress immunity, reduce performance and increase disease vulnerability.
6. Antibiotics treatment: Antibiotics are used in poultry to treat and prevent bacterial infections. They play a crucial role in disease control, improper or excessive use can negatively impact bird’s immune system, gut health and long-term disease resistance.
DEFICIENCY OF IMMUNITY LEADS TO:
1. Disease outbreak
2. Increased mortality
3. Decreased growth and production
4. Increased FCR
5. Vaccine failure
WAYS TO BOOST THE IMMUNITY:
1. Optimised nutrition
2. Use of immunostimulants & supplements
3. Effective vaccination programs
4. Biosecurity and sanitation
5. Environmental management
Leave a Reply