Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Zagazig 44516, Egypt
2
Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Assiut 71526, Egypt.
3
Department of Biochemistry, Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Zagazig 44516, Egypt
4
Department of poultry diseases, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Assiut 71526, Egypt.
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of lysozyme supplementation, alone and in combination with amoxicillin, in mitigating the detrimental effects of Clostridium perfringens and Eimeria co-infection in broiler chickens. One-hundred-twenty day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into six groups: uninfected control, infected control, prophylactic lysozyme, therapeutic lysozyme, therapeutic amoxicillin, and therapeutic lysozyme + amoxicillin. Birds were challenged with Eimeria and C. perfringens. Lysozyme supplementation significantly improved growth performance, reduced oxidative stress, normalized cortisol levels, and enhanced haematological parameters (including erythrocyte counts and leukocyte profiles). Serum lysozyme activity was significantly elevated in lysozyme-treated groups. The G6 group (lysozyme + amoxicillin) exhibited the most pronounced improvements in all assessed parameters. This group demonstrated the lowest C. perfringens counts, reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA, NO), increased antioxidant levels (CAT, SOD), and normalized cortisol and protein levels. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed increased GSH gene expression and decreased IL-6 gene expression in the G6 group. All treatment groups showed increased IL-1β and IgA gene expression, while IgY gene expression was upregulated in the G3 (prophylactic lysozyme) and G6 groups. These findings demonstrate that lysozyme supplementation, particularly in combination with amoxicillin, effectively mitigates the detrimental effects of C. perfringens and Eimeria co-infection in broiler chickens. The observed improvements can be attributed to enhanced immune responses, improved antioxidant status, normalized physiological parameters, and reduced bacterial burden, highlighting the potential of lysozyme as a valuable tool for enhancing broiler health and optimizing production.
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