Comparison of the Effects of Different Levels of Zataria multiflora Eessence with Avilamycin and Probiotic Based on Bacillus subtilis on Immune System and MUC2 Gene Expression in Broiler Chickens

 The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two different levels of Zataria multiflora with Avilamycin antibiotic and probiotic based on Bacillus subtilis on humoral and cellular immunity and expression of MUC2 gene in broiler chickens of Arian strain.   This study was conducted in a completely randomized design with five experimental groups with 4 replicates and 25 observations in each replicate. Experimental groups included basal diet and basal diet containing 100 mg Bacillus subtilis, 150 mg avilamycin, 200 mg and 400 mg Zataria multiflora essence, respectively. In order to evaluate the humoral and cellular immunity, the antibody produced against the sheep's red blood cell, white blood cell differentialcounts and the volume percentage of red blood cells were determined. Expression of MUC2 gene from the intestinal tissues was investigated by Real time PCR.   The results showed that response to red blood cells of sheep, immunoglobulin G and M was not affected by experimental groups(p>0.05). The number of white blood cells and the ratio of heterophil to lymphocyte were not affected by the experimental groups (p>0.05). The expression of MUC2 gene in the chickens that consumed the basal diet included Zataria multiflora was significantly increased compared with the control group.   The results showed that the use of Zataria multiflora essence could be having moderating effects on the immune system. It, by increasing the expression of MUC2 gene, could be having improving effect on the digestive system performance of broiler chickens.