The effect of yeast beta-glucan on respiratory brust of heterophils in broiler chickens

The use of food additives to boost the immune system of broiler chickens is a new froutier for scientists. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized design was conducted to study the effects of the yeast beta-glucan on respiratory burst potential (nitro-blue tetrazolium test) of heterophils as an indicator of innate immunity in broiler chickens. This was done by using 162 one-day old broilers. Experimental factors were as following: beta-glucan levels (levels of 0, 0.04 and 0.08% of basal diet) and sex (male and female broilers). At the end of the study blood sample were taken from each replicate of every treatment and nitro-blue tetrazolium reduction test performed. The results showed that beta-glucan in a level of 0.04% of basal diet significantly increased nitro-blue tetrazolium reduction test of heterophils (p