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Original Research
1.
Comparative study on some immunological traits in
two different genetic groups of chicken -
Salah Abdel Rahman El-Safty
Vet World. 2012; 5(11): 645-650
doi:
10.5455/vetworld.2012.
645-650
Abstract
Aim:
This study was carried out on one hundred and twenty
chicks (60 Libyan native and 60 broiler chicks) to
evaluate and compare some productive and
immunological characteristics.
Materials and
Methods: Weekly body weight (from day-old until
6 weeks of age), feed conversion ratio (from 3- 6
weeks of age), phagocytic ability index, count of
both heterophils and lymphocytes and its ratio and
blood profile were determined.
Results: Body
weight of Libyan native chickens was dramatically
reduced as compared to broiler chickens throughout
trial period. Feed conversion ratio of Libyan native
chickens was pronounced deteriorated during studied
period as compared to broiler ones. The phagocytic
ability of Libyan native chickens was more efficient
than those of broiler chickens counterparts. The
Libyan native chickens were less stressful compared
to broiler ones, because of significant decrease of
H/L ratio trait in Libyan chickens.
Conclusion:
It was expected that the broiler chickens were
superior in productive traits (body weight and feed
conversion ratio) as compared to native chickens. On
the other hand, the superiority in immunological
parameters such as phagocytic activity and H/L ratio
(as a stress measure) was obtained by Libyan native
chickens. Consequently, more attention must be
considered for Libyan native chicken and using
different crossing and selection methods to produce
meat and egg native lines for improving its
productive traits besides keeping and benefit its
outstanding immunological abilities.
Keywords:
body weight, broiler, immunity, native chickens,
phagocytic ability.
