1
|
Xu LN, Gao J, Yao JW, Jiao HC, Wang XJ, Lin H, Zhao JP. Dynamic responses of systemic immunity and splenic inflammation to long-term cyclic high-temperature exposure in growing pullets and laying hens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:104014. [PMID: 39032308 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Two trials were conducted to draw the phase-response curve of productive and immunological variables in heat-exposed layer chickens at different ages (71 to 130 d, and 211 to 270 d). Birds were acclimated to the following conditions for 60 d: constant optimal ambient temperature at 24°C and high ambient temperature at 34°C for 8 h/d (10:00-18:00). Data collection and biochemical measurements were performed every 10 d. In both age ranges, high temperature favored the innate immunity (P < 0.01) at the cost of performance (P < 0.05) during a given period, including the relative abundance of B and T-helper lymphocytes, lymphocyte proliferation ratio (B and T lymphocytes), and serum immunoglobulin contents (IgG and IgM) in the peripheral blood, as well as splenic expression of inflammation-related genes (iNOS, TLR-4, TNF-α, IL-6, and INF-γ). Compared with laying hens, growing pullets showed a time-delayed activation of immune response following heat challenge, and had no immunosuppression up to the end of exposure. Overall, the immune system of layer birds has a trade-off with production tissues in a hot environment, and exhibits distinct age-range-specific responses of acclimatization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Nan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Efficient Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271017, PR China
| | - Jing Gao
- Heze Animal Husbandry Workstation, Heze, Shandong 274000, PR China
| | - Jing Wen Yao
- Pharmacy Department, Taian City Central Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Taian, Shandong 271000, PR China
| | - Hong Chao Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Efficient Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271017, PR China
| | - Xiao Juan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Efficient Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271017, PR China
| | - Hai Lin
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Efficient Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271017, PR China
| | - Jing Peng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Non-grain Feed Resources (Co-Construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Efficient Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong 271017, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Arango J, Wolc A, Owen J, Weston K, Fulton JE. Genetic Variation in Natural and Induced Antibody Responses in Layer Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1623. [PMID: 38891669 PMCID: PMC11171384 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Selection of livestock for disease resistance is challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining reliable phenotypes. Antibodies are immunological molecules that provide direct and indirect defenses against infection and link the activities of both the innate and adaptive compartments of the immune system. As a result, antibodies have been used as a trait in selection for immune defense. The goal of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with natural and induced antibodies in chickens using low-pass sequencing. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify innate (natural) antibodies binding KLH, OVA, and PHA and induced (adaptive) antibodies binding IBD, IBV, NDV, and REO. We collected plasma from four White Leghorn (WL), two White Plymouth Rock (WPR), and two Rhode Island Red (RIR) lines. Samples numbers ranged between 198 and 785 per breed. GWAS was performed within breed on data pre-adjusted for Line-Hatch-Sex effects using GCTA. A threshold of p = 10-6 was used to select genes for downstream annotation and enrichment analysis with SNPEff and Panther. Significant enrichment was found for the defense/immunity protein, immunoglobulin receptor superfamily, and the antimicrobial response protein in RIR; and the immunoglobulin receptor superfamily, defense/immunity protein, and protein modifying enzyme in WL. However, none were present in WPR, but some of the selected SNP were annotated in immune pathways. This study provides new insights regarding the genetics of the antibody response in layer chickens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Arango
- Hy-Line International, Dallas Center, IA 50063, USA; (J.A.); (J.E.F.)
- Cobb Genetics, Siloam Springs, AR 72761, USA
| | - Anna Wolc
- Hy-Line International, Dallas Center, IA 50063, USA; (J.A.); (J.E.F.)
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jeb Owen
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (J.O.); (K.W.)
| | - Kendra Weston
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (J.O.); (K.W.)
| | - Janet E. Fulton
- Hy-Line International, Dallas Center, IA 50063, USA; (J.A.); (J.E.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Berghof TVL, Bedere N, Peeters K, Poppe M, Visscher J, Mulder HA. The genetics of resilience and its relationships with egg production traits and antibody traits in chickens. Genet Sel Evol 2024; 56:20. [PMID: 38504219 PMCID: PMC10953135 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-024-00888-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilience is the capacity of an animal to be minimally affected by disturbances or to rapidly return to its initial state before exposure to a disturbance. Resilient livestock are desired because of their improved health and increased economic profit. Genetic improvement of resilience may also lead to trade-offs with production traits. Recently, resilience indicators based on longitudinal data have been suggested, but they need further evaluation to determine whether they are indeed predictive of improved resilience, such as disease resilience. This study investigated different resilience indicators based on deviations between expected and observed egg production (EP) by exploring their genetic parameters, their possible trade-offs with production traits, and their relationships with antibody traits in chickens. METHODS Egg production in a nucleus breeding herd environment based on 1-week-, 2-week-, or 3-week-intervals of two purebred chicken lines, a white egg-laying (33,825 chickens) and a brown egg-laying line (34,397 chickens), were used to determine deviations between observed EP and expected average batch EP, and between observed EP and expected individual EP. These deviations were used to calculate three types of resilience indicators for two life periods of each individual: natural logarithm-transformed variance (ln(variance)), skewness, and lag-one autocorrelation (autocorrelation) of deviations from 25 to 83 weeks of age and from 83 weeks of age to end of life. Then, we estimated their genetic correlations with EP traits and with two antibody traits. RESULTS The most promising resilience indicators were those based on 1-week-intervals, as they had the highest heritability estimates (0.02-0.12) and high genetic correlations (above 0.60) with the same resilience indicators based on longer intervals. The three types of resilience indicators differed genetically from each other, which indicates that they possibly capture different aspects of resilience. Genetic correlations of the resilience indicator traits based on 1-week-intervals with EP traits were favorable or zero, which means that trade-off effects were marginal. The resilience indicator traits based on 1-week-intervals also showed no genetic correlations with the antibody traits, which suggests that they are not informative for improved immunity or vice versa in the nucleus environment. CONCLUSIONS This paper gives direction towards the evaluation and implementation of resilience indicators, i.e. to further investigate resilience indicator traits based on 1-week-intervals, in breeding programs for selecting genetically more resilient layer chickens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom V L Berghof
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Reproductive Biotechnology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Liesel-Beckmann-Strasse 1, 85354, Freising, Germany.
| | - Nicolas Bedere
- PEGASE, INRAE, Institut Agro, 35590, Saint Gilles, France
| | - Katrijn Peeters
- Hendrix Genetics B.V., P.O. Box 114, 5830 AC, Boxmeer, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Poppe
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- CRV B.V., Wassenaarweg 20, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Visscher
- Hendrix Genetics B.V., P.O. Box 114, 5830 AC, Boxmeer, The Netherlands
| | - Han A Mulder
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sarrigeorgiou I, Stivarou T, Tsinti G, Patsias A, Fotou E, Moulasioti V, Kyriakou D, Tellis C, Papadami M, Moussis V, Tsiouris V, Tsikaris V, Tsoukatos D, Lymberi P. Levels of Circulating IgM and IgY Natural Antibodies in Broiler Chicks: Association with Genotype and Farming Systems. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020304. [PMID: 36829580 PMCID: PMC9952908 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring antibodies (NAbs), which are major components of innate immunity, exist in circulation under healthy conditions without prior antigenic stimulation and are able to recognize both self- and non-self-constituents. The present study aimed at identifying potential immunological differences between commercial fast- and slow-growth broilers (n = 555) raised in conventional and free-range systems, respectively, through the use of the specificity, isotypes and levels of circulating NAbs. The possible beneficial effect of oregano-based dietary supplementation was also evaluated. To this end, serum IgM and IgY NAbs against self- (actin and DNA) and non-self- antigens (trinitrophenol and lipopolysaccharide) were measured by ELISA and further correlated with genotype, season and performance. Significantly higher levels of IgM NAbs against all antigens were found in slow-growth compared to fast-growth broilers. IgM NAb levels were also significantly increased in dietarily supplemented slow-growth broilers versus those consuming standard feed. Moreover, significantly elevated levels of anti-DNA IgY NAbs were found in fast-growth compared to slow-growth broilers, whereas the opposite was observed for anti-LPS IgY NAbs. Multivariate linear regression analysis confirmed multiple interactions between NAb levels, genotype, season and performance. Overall, serum NAbs have proven to be valuable innovative immunotools in the poultry industry, efficiently differentiating fast-growing versus slow-growing broilers, and dietary supplementation of plant extracts can enhance natural immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Sarrigeorgiou
- Immunology Laboratory, Immunology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), 127, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Stivarou
- Immunology Laboratory, Immunology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), 127, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimina Tsinti
- Immunology Laboratory, Immunology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), 127, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolos Patsias
- Microbiology and Chemical Laboratory, Pindos APSI, 45500 Rodotopi Ioannina, Greece
| | - Evgenia Fotou
- Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Moulasioti
- Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitra Kyriakou
- Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Constantinos Tellis
- Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Papadami
- Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vassilios Moussis
- Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasileios Tsiouris
- Microbiology and Chemical Laboratory, Pindos APSI, 45500 Rodotopi Ioannina, Greece
- Unit of Avian Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vassilios Tsikaris
- Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Demokritos Tsoukatos
- Department of Chemistry, Section of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Peggy Lymberi
- Immunology Laboratory, Immunology Department, Hellenic Pasteur Institute (HPI), 127, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bamidele O, Akinsola OM, Yakubu A, Hassan WA, Ogundu UE, Amole TA. Growth performance, survivability and profitability of improved smallholder chicken genetics in Nigeria: A COVID-19 intervention study. Front Genet 2023; 13:1033654. [PMID: 36685957 PMCID: PMC9846064 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1033654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on smallholder farming households (SFH) includes increased poverty, and loss of livelihoods. Provision of livestock to SFH is a helpful intervention to mitigate this impact. This study provided a total of 150 smallholder poultry farmers, randomly selected from three states (Kebbi, Nasarawa, and Imo) in Nigeria, with ten 5-week-old chickens (mixed sexes) each, of either FUNAAB Alpha or Noiler chicken genetics. The improved, dual-purpose chickens were evaluated for growth performance (GP), survivability and profitability. The birds were managed under semi-scavenging production system. Body weight, mortality, and cost of production (COP) were recorded every 4 weeks until 21 weeks of age. Profitability was a function of the COP, and the selling price for live-birds (cocks). Body weight of Noiler (1,927 g) birds was not significantly (p > .05) higher than FUNAAB Alpha (1,792 g) at 21 weeks. Agroecology and genetics had significant (p < .05) effects on GP and survivability. Survivability of FUNAAB Alpha was higher (p < .05) than Noiler, with Nasarawa (81%-96%), having the highest (p < .0001) survival rate compared to Imo (62%-81%), and Kebbi (58%-75%). At 21 weeks, the number of cocks and hens differed significantly (p < .05) within the states (Imo: 2.4 ± .2 and 5.4 ± .3; Kebbi: 2.6 ± .2 and 5.5 ± .3; and Nasarawa: 2.9 ± .2 and 5.8 ± .3). Nasarawa (NGN 7,808; USD 19) ranked best for profitability, followed by Kebbi (NGN 6,545; USD 16) and Imo (NGN 5,875; USD 14). Overall, this study demonstrates that provision of improved chickens to vulnerable SFH in Nigeria holds great potential for economic growth, and resilience during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oladeji Bamidele
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Ibadan, Nigeria,Department of Biological Sciences, Kings University, Odeomu, Nigeria,*Correspondence: Oladeji Bamidele,
| | | | - Abdulmojeed Yakubu
- Department of Animal Science, Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
| | | | - Uduak Emmanuel Ogundu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Miyumo S, Wasike CB, Ilatsia ED, Bennewitz J, Chagunda MG. Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing KLH binding natural antibodies and specific antibody response to Newcastle disease in Kenyan chicken populations. J Anim Breed Genet 2023; 140:106-120. [PMID: 36069173 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the influence of genetic and non-genetic factors on immune traits to inform on possibilities of genetic improvement of disease resistance traits in local chicken of Kenya. Immune traits such as natural and specific antibodies are considered suitable indicators of an individual's health status and consequently, used as indicator traits of disease resistance. In this study, natural antibodies binding to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH-NAbs) was used to measure general disease resistance. Specific antibodies binding to Newcastle disease virus (NDV-IgG) post vaccination was used to measure specific disease resistance. Titers of KLH-NAbs isotypes (KLH-IgM, KLH-IgG and KLH-IgA) and NDV-IgG were measured in 1,540 chickens of different ages ranging from 12 to 56 weeks. A general linear model was fitted to determine the effect of sex, generation, population type, phylogenetic cluster, line, genotype and age on the antibody traits. A multivariate animal mixed model was fitted to estimate heritability and genetic correlations among the antibody traits. The model constituted of non-genetic factors found to have a significant influence on the antibody traits as fixed effects, and animal and residual effects as random variables. Overall mean (±SE) concentration levels for KLH-IgM, KLH-IgG, KLH-IgA and NDV-IgG were 10.33 ± 0.04, 9.08 ± 0.02, 6.00 ± 0.02 and 10.12 ± 0.03, respectively. Sex, generation and age (linear covariate) significantly (p < 0.05) influenced variation across all the antibody traits. Genotype effects (p < 0.05) were present in all antibody traits, apart from KLH-IgA. Interaction between generation and line was significant (p < 0.05) in KLH-IgM and NDV-IgG while nesting phylogenetic cluster within population significantly (p < 0.05) influenced all antibody traits, apart from KLH-IgA. Heritability estimates for KLH-IgM, KLH-IgG, KLH-IgA and NDV-IgG were 0.28 ± 0.08, 0.14 ± 0.06, 0.07 ± 0.04 and 0.31 ± 0.06, respectively. There were positive genetic correlations (0.40-0.61) among the KLH-NAbs while negative genetic correlations (-0.26 to -0.98) were observed between the KLH-NAbs and NDV-IgG. Results from this study indicate that non-genetic effects due to biological and environmental factors influence natural and specific antibodies and should be accounted for to reduce bias and improve accuracy when evaluating the traits. Subsequently, the moderate heritability estimates in KLH-IgM and NDV-IgG suggest selection possibilities for genetic improvement of general and specific immunity, respectively, and consequently disease resistance. However, the negative correlations between KLH-NAbs and NDV-IgG indicate the need to consider a suitable approach that can optimally combine both traits in a multiple trait selection strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Miyumo
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Sub-tropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Chrilukovian B Wasike
- Livestock Efficiency Enhancement group (LEEG), Department of Animal and Fisheries Sciences, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Evans D Ilatsia
- Poultry Research Program, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Naivasha, Kenya
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart-, Germany
| | - Mizeck G Chagunda
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry in the Tropics and Sub-tropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
A multi-suckling system combined with an enriched housing environment during the growing period promotes resilience to various challenges in pigs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6804. [PMID: 35474326 PMCID: PMC9043182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10745-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the impact of social and environmental enrichment on improving livestock resilience, i.e. the ability to quickly recover from perturbations. We evaluated the effect of an alternative housing system (AHS) on resilience of pigs, as compared to conventional housing (CONV). The AHS consisted of multi-litter housing during lactation, delayed weaning, extra space allowance and environmental enrichment at all times. We assessed recovery to a 2 h-transport challenge, an LPS injection, 2 h-heat stress and a biopsy wound in 96 pigs. Additionally, indicators of long-term “wear and tear” on the body were determined. AHS pigs had better physiological recoveries with quicker returns to baseline in the transport and LPS challenges, showed lower cortisol accumulation in hairs and lower variance in weight gain over the experimental period compared to conventionally-housed (CONV) pigs. They also had higher levels of natural antibodies binding KLH than CONV pigs. Their response to heat stress revealed a different strategy compared to CONV pigs. Taken together, AHS pigs appear to be more resilient and experience less chronic stress. Enhancing welfare by provision of social and environmental enrichment that better meets the behavioural needs of pigs seems to be a promising approach to improve their resilience.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bovenhuis H, Berghof TVL, Visker MHPW, Arts JAJ, Visscher J, van der Poel JJ, Parmentier HK. Divergent selection for natural antibodies in poultry in the presence of a major gene. Genet Sel Evol 2022; 54:24. [PMID: 35313798 PMCID: PMC8939063 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-022-00715-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural antibodies (NAb) are antibodies that are present in a healthy individual without requiring previous exposure to an exogenous antigen. Selection for high NAb levels might contribute to improved general disease resistance. Our aim was to analyse the genetic background of NAb based on a divergent selection experiment in poultry, and in particular the effect of a polymorphism in the TLR1A gene. Methods The study population consisted of a base population from a commercial pure-bred elite white leghorn layer line and seven generations of birds from a High and Low selection line. Birds were selected for total KLH-binding NAb titer (IgTotal). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine NAb titers in blood plasma for IgTotal and the antibody isotypes IgM and IgG. NAb titers were available for 10,878 birds. Genotypes for a polymorphism in TLR1A were determined for chickens in generations 5, 6 and 7. The data were analysed using mixed linear animal models. Results The heritability estimate for IgM was 0.30 and higher than that for IgG and IgTotal (0.12). Maternal environmental effects explained 2 to 3% of the phenotypic variation in NAb. Selection for IgTotal resulted in a genetic difference between the High and Low line of 2.4 titer points (5.1 genetic standard deviation) in generation 7. For IgM, the selection response was asymmetrical and higher in the Low than the High line. The frequency of the TLR1A C allele was 0.45 in the base population and 0.66 and 0.04 in generation 7 of the High and Low line, respectively. The TLR1A polymorphism had large and significant effects on IgTotal and IgM. Estimated genotypic effects suggest full dominance of the TLR1A C allele. Significant TLR1A by generation interactions were detected for IgM and IgTotal. Conclusions The effect of a polymorphism in the TLR1A gene on IgTotal and IgM NAb was confirmed. Furthermore, we provide experimental verification of changes in allele frequencies at a major gene with dominant gene action on a quantitative trait that is subjected to mass selection. TLR1A by generation interactions indicate sensitivity to environmental factors. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12711-022-00715-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henk Bovenhuis
- Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Tom V L Berghof
- Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Reproductive Biotechnology, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Liesel-Beckmann-Strasse 1, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Marleen H P W Visker
- Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joop A J Arts
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Visscher
- Hendrix Genetics Research Technology & Service B.V, P.O. Box 114, 5830 AC, Boxmeer, The Netherlands
| | - Jan J van der Poel
- Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk K Parmentier
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Faggion S, Bertotto D, Babbucci M, Dalla Rovere G, Franch R, Bovolenta M, Laureau S, Pascoli F, Toffan A, Bargelloni L, Carnier P. Resistance to viral nervous necrosis in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.): heritability and relationships with body weight, cortisol concentration, and antibody titer. Genet Sel Evol 2021; 53:32. [PMID: 33794770 PMCID: PMC8017662 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-021-00625-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Susceptibility of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) to viral nervous necrosis (VNN) is well-known. Interest towards selective breeding as a tool to enhance genetic resistance in this species has increased sharply due to the major threat represented by VNN for farmed sea bass and limitations concerning specific therapeutical measures. A sea bass experimental population (N = 650) was challenged with nervous necrosis virus (NNV) to investigate genetic variation in VNN mortality. In addition, relationships of this trait with serum cortisol concentration after stress exposure, antibody titer against NNV antigens, and body weight at a fixed age were studied to identify potential indicator traits of VNN resistance. Results The estimate of heritability for VNN mortality was moderate and ranged from 0.15 (HPD95%, 95% highest posterior density interval: 0.02, 0.31) to 0.23 (HPD95%: 0.06, 0.47). Heritability estimates for cortisol concentration, antibody titer, and body weight were 0.19 (HPD95%: 0.07, 0.34), 0.36 (HPD95%: 0.16, 0.59) and 0.57 (HPD95%: 0.33, 0.84), respectively. Phenotypic relationships between traits were trivial and not statistically significant, except for the estimated correlation between antibody titer and body weight (0.24). Genetic correlations of mortality with body weight or antibody titer (− 0.39) exhibited a 0.89 probability of being negative. A negligible genetic correlation between mortality and cortisol concentration was detected. Antibody titer was estimated to be positively correlated with body weight (0.49). Conclusions Antibody titer against NNV offers the opportunity to use indirect selection to enhance resistance, while the use of cortisol concentration as an indicator trait in breeding programs for VNN resistance is questionable. The estimate of heritability for VNN mortality indicates the feasibility of selective breeding to enhance resistance to NNV and raises attention to the development of genomic prediction tools to simplify testing procedures for selection candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Faggion
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Daniela Bertotto
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Babbucci
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Giulia Dalla Rovere
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Rafaella Franch
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Pascoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Diseases of Fish, Mollusk and Crustacean, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Anna Toffan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Diseases of Fish, Mollusk and Crustacean, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Luca Bargelloni
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Paolo Carnier
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ajayi FO, Bamidele O, Hassan WA, Ogundu U, Yakubu A, Alabi OO, Akinsola OM, Sonaiya EB, Adebambo OA. Production performance and survivability of six dual-purpose breeds of chicken under smallholder farmers' management practices in Nigeria. Arch Anim Breed 2021; 63:387-408. [PMID: 33473364 PMCID: PMC7810232 DOI: 10.5194/aab-63-387-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chickens kept under free-range, backyard or semi-intensive systems in the
developing countries have more diverse use and benefits to rural households.
Their use varies from region to region and from community to community
within a region. The study investigated growth, laying performance and
survivability of six improved dual-purpose breeds in five agroecologies of
Nigeria represented by the following states: Kebbi (Sudan savanna/northern
Guinea savanna); Kwara (northern Guinea savanna/southern Guinea savanna);
Nasarawa (southern Guinea savanna/derived savanna); Imo (lowland rainforest/swamp); and Rivers (freshwater swamp/mangrove swamp). On-farm data
were obtained from 2100 smallholder poultry farmers that received an average
of 30 birds (mixed sexes) of any one of the following dual-purpose breeds
(Fulani, FUNAAB Alpha, Kuroiler, Noiler, Sasso and Shika-Brown) randomly
allocated to them. The farmers used the backyard, scavenging system of
management. Body weight and mortality records for cocks were taken for 18 weeks, while body weight, mortality, egg production and egg weight data were
collected for hens up to 72 weeks. Compared with the local cocks (680 g),
Kuroiler (1391 g), Sasso (1398 g) and Noiler (1461 g) had over 200 %
body weight at 18 weeks. Hen day egg production (HDEP) was higher in
Shika-Brown (45.9 %), FUNAAB Alpha (45.8 %) and Kuroiler (45.7 %)
compared with the other breeds. Fulani, FUNAAB Alpha and Shika-Brown had
higher survivabilities (p<0.05) than Noiler, Sasso and Kuroiler.
Ranking of the breeds for growth, laying performance and survivability was
as follows: Shika-Brown/Sasso > FUNAAB Alpha/Noiler > Kuroiler > Fulani. The performance of the breeds was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the agroecologies. The cock
body weights for Fulani (1121.1 g), FUNAAB Alpha (1502.4 g) and Noiler
(1459.2 g) were highest in Kebbi, while for Kuroiler (1561.0 g), Sasso
(1695.9 g) and Shika-Brown (1131.6 g) cock body weights were highest in Imo.
Across the states, Imo had the highest HDEP (62.8 %). Overall, the
lowland rainforest/ freshwater swamp agroecologies supported the highest
production performance of the breeds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Oladeji Bamidele
- African Chicken Genetic Gains Project National Secretariat, Department of Animal Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Waheed Akinola Hassan
- Department of Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
| | - Uduak Ogundu
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Abdulmojeed Yakubu
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Babafunso Sonaiya
- African Chicken Genetic Gains Project National Secretariat, Department of Animal Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wijnen HJ, van den Brand H, Lammers A, van Roovert-Reijrink IAM, van der Pol CW, Kemp B, Molenaar R. Effects of eggshell temperature pattern during incubation on primary immune organ development and broiler immune response in later life. Poult Sci 2020; 99:6619-6629. [PMID: 33248577 PMCID: PMC7705051 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.09.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Eggshell temperature (EST) during incubation greatly affects embryo development, chick quality at hatch, and subsequently various broiler physiological systems. Until now, a constant EST of 37.8°C seems optimal. Data on effects of EST patterns on immune organ development and subsequent broiler immune response are, however, scarce. A higher EST of 38.9°C in week 2 and/or a lower EST of 36.7°C in week 3 of incubation potentially positively affect embryo immune organ development and broiler immune response post hatch. Broiler eggs (n = 468) were incubated at 4 different EST patterns (n = 117 eggs/treatment) from week 2 of incubation onward. Week 1 (embryonic age (E)0 < E7) EST was 37.8°C for all eggs. Week 2 (E7 < E14) EST was either 37.8°C (Control) or 38.9°C (Higher), and week 3 (E14 - /hatch) EST was either Control or 36.7°C (Lower). At hatch, histology of bursal follicles and jejunum villi and crypts were determined as well as heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H:L) (n = 49). Posthatch, both sexes were grown in 8 pens/treatment for 6 wk (n = 320). Natural antibodies (NAb) were determined at day 14, 22, and slaughter (day 41 or 42) as an indicator of immunocompetence and response to a Newcastle disease (NCD) vaccination was determined by antibody levels at day 22 and slaughter (n = 128). Results showed no interaction EST week 2 × EST week 3, except for jejunum histology. Higher EST in week 2 resulted in lower cell density within bursal follicles (P = 0.02) and a tendency for lower H:L (P = 0.07) at hatch, and higher NCD titers at slaughter (P = 0.02) than Control EST. Lower EST in week 3 resulted at hatch in higher cell density within bursal follicles, higher H:L (both P < 0.05), and a tendency for a higher posthatch mortality rate than control EST (P = 0.10). In conclusion, higher EST in week 2 during incubation may benefit embryonic immune organ development and posthatch broiler immunocompetence, while lower EST in week 3 showed opposite indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H J Wijnen
- Research Department, Hatchtech BV, 3900 AG Veenendaal, The Netherlands; Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - H van den Brand
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - A Lammers
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - C W van der Pol
- Research Department, Hatchtech BV, 3900 AG Veenendaal, The Netherlands
| | - B Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R Molenaar
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Berghof TVL, Bovenhuis H, Mulder HA. Body Weight Deviations as Indicator for Resilience in Layer Chickens. Front Genet 2019; 10:1216. [PMID: 31921285 PMCID: PMC6923720 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Resilience is the capacity of an animal to be minimally affected by disturbances or to rapidly return to the state pertained before exposure to a disturbance. Less resilient animals are expected to be more susceptible to environmental perturbations, such as diseases, and will consequently show more and/or greater fluctuations in production than more resilient animals. Natural antibodies (NAb) are antibodies recognizing antigens without previous exposure to these, and are hypothesized to be an indication of general disease resistance. The objective of this research was to investigate genetic parameters of resilience indicators based on standardized body weight (BW) deviations and to investigate its relation with immunity (i.e. NAb) and disease resistance. Keyhole limpet hemocyanin-binding NAb were measured in layer chickens, which were selectively bred for high and low keyhole limpet hemocyanin-binding NAb levels during six generations. In addition, BW data of these layers were collected on a four-weekly interval from 4 weeks of age until 32 weeks of age. Standardized deviations of BW from an individual were compared to lines’ average BW (i.e. across individuals), and these were used to calculate resilience indicators: natural logarithm-transformed variance [ln(variance)], skewness, and lag-one autocorrelation of deviations (i.e. all within an individual). Heritabilities of resilience indicators were between 0.09 and 0.11. Genetic correlations between the three resilience indicators were between -0.20 and 0.40 (with high SE), which might suggest that the resilience indicators capture different aspects of resilience. Genetic correlations between resilience indicators and NAb were close to zero, which suggests that the resilience indicators and NAb capture different aspects of immunity. This might indicate that, in this dataset, environmental perturbations are only to a small extent affected by disease incidence, possibly due to a lack of disease occurrence. However, a lower estimated breeding value for ln(variance) was predictive for lower lesion scores after an avian pathogenic Escherichia coli inoculation and vice versa. In conclusion, this study shows that there is genetic variation in resilience indicators based on BW deviations in layer chickens, which opens up possibilities to improve resilience by means of selective breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom V L Berghof
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Henk Bovenhuis
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Han A Mulder
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lelono A, Robledo-Ruiz DA, Berghof TVL, Parmentier HK, Riedstra B, Groothuis TG. Does paternal immunocompetence affect offspring vulnerability to maternal androgens? A study in domestic chickens. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.045096. [PMID: 31748241 PMCID: PMC6899007 DOI: 10.1242/bio.045096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure of yolk androgens can positively stimulate chick growth and competitive ability, but may negatively affect immunity. It has been hypothesized that only chicks from immunologically superior fathers can bear the cost of prenatal exposure to high androgen levels. To test this hypothesis, we paired roosters from two selection lines, one up- and one down-selected for natural antibodies (NAbs), with hens from a control line. We measured yolk testosterone and androstenedione levels, and we injected the treatment group of eggs of each female with testosterone suspended in sesame oil and the control group with sesame oil only. We then measured hatching success and growth, and characterized the humoral and cellular immune responses using three different challenges: a phyto-hemagglutinin, a lipopolysaccharide and a sheep red blood cell challenge. We found that the hatching success, body mass, initial levels of natural antibodies and the chicks’ immunological responses to the three different challenges and development were affected neither by paternal immunocompetence nor by treatment. These results do not support the hypothesis that chicks from low-NAb line fathers are more sensitive to testosterone exposure during embryonic development than chicks from high-NAb line fathers. Summary: Our study shows that there were no effects of paternal natural antibody line, increased embryonic testosterone exposure or the interaction of both on immunocompetence of chicks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asmoro Lelono
- Behavioural Biology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands .,Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, 68121 Jember, East Java, The Republic of Indonesia
| | - Diana A Robledo-Ruiz
- Behavioural Biology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tom V L Berghof
- Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk K Parmentier
- Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research Adaptation Physiology, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bernd Riedstra
- Behavioural Biology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ton G Groothuis
- Behavioural Biology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Haunshi S, Burramsetty AK, Kannaki TR, Rajkumar U. Survivability, immunity, growth and production traits in indigenous and White Leghorn breeds of chicken. Br Poult Sci 2019; 60:683-690. [PMID: 31280601 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2019.1639139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
1. The survivability, innate and adaptive immunity, growth and production traits up to 72 weeks of age were determined in Ghagus, Nicobari (unimproved indigenous) and White Leghorn (WLH) breeds and the study investigated links between innate and adaptive immunity and survivability and production traits.2. At 20 and 40 weeks of age, there was a significant effect of breed on innate immunity assessed by measuring titres of natural antibody (NAb) binding to rabbit red blood cells (RRBC) and adaptive immunity assessed by measuring specific antibody titre (SpAb) to Newcastle disease virus.3. Highest survivability was in WLH (91.6%) followed by Nicobari (87.1%) and Ghagus (82.9%) breeds. Growth traits at different ages were higher (P< 0.001) in Ghagus followed by WLH and Nicobari breeds. Egg production up to 72 weeks was higher (P < 0.001) in WLH followed by Nicobari and Ghagus breeds, whereas egg weight at different ages was higher (P < 0.001) in WLH than Ghagus and Nicobari breeds.4. NAb titres measured at 20 weeks were significantly (P = 0.002) associated with the survivability of hens during 20 to 72 weeks of age. Breed-wise analysis showed a significant (P = 0.019) association between NAb titres at 20 weeks and survivability in the Ghagus breed. Furthermore, NAb titres at 20 weeks were higher in hens which survived to 72 weeks compared with those that died (P = 0.002).5. Measuring NAb titres to RRBC is quick, economical and simple. This method has potential to be used in a breeding programme to increase survivability of laying hens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Haunshi
- ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, India
| | - A K Burramsetty
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - T R Kannaki
- ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, India
| | - U Rajkumar
- ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Berghof TVL, Matthijs MGR, Arts JAJ, Bovenhuis H, Dwars RM, van der Poel JJ, Visker MHPW, Parmentier HK. Selective breeding for high natural antibody level increases resistance to avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in chickens. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 93:45-57. [PMID: 30579935 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-binding natural antibody (NAb) titers in chickens are heritable, and higher levels have previously been associated with a higher survival. This suggests that selective breeding for higher NAb levels might increase survival by means of improved general disease resistance. Chickens were divergently selected and bred for total NAb levels binding KLH at 16 weeks of age for six generations, resulting in a High NAb selection line and a Low NAb selection line. To for test differences in disease resistance, chickens were challenged with avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in two separate experiments. Chickens at 8 days of age received one of four intratracheal inoculations of 0.2 mL phosphate buffered saline (PBS): 1) mock inoculate, 2) with 0.2 mL PBS containing 108.20 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL APEC, 3) with 0.2 mL PBS containing 106.64 CFU/mL APEC, and 4) with 0.2 mL PBS containing 107.55 CFU/mL APEC. Mortality was recorded during 7 days post inoculation. Overall, 50-60% reduced mortality was observed in the High line compared to the Low line for all APEC doses. In addition, morbidity was determined of the surviving chickens at 15 days of age. The High line had lower morbidity scores compared to the Low line. We conclude that selective breeding for high KLH-binding NAb levels at 16 weeks of age increase APEC resistance in early life. This study and previous studies support the hypothesis that KLH-binding NAb might be used as an indicator trait for to selective breed for general disease resistance in an antigen non-specific fashion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T V L Berghof
- Wageningen University & Research Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - M G R Matthijs
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - J A J Arts
- Wageningen University & Research Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - H Bovenhuis
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R M Dwars
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - J J van der Poel
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M H P W Visker
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - H K Parmentier
- Wageningen University & Research Adaptation Physiology, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Stress response, peripheral serotonin and natural antibodies in feather pecking genotypes and phenotypes and their relation with coping style. Physiol Behav 2018; 199:1-10. [PMID: 30391356 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Feather pecking (FP), a serious welfare and economic issue in the egg production industry, has been related to coping style. Proactive and reactive coping styles differ in, among others, the stress response, serotonergic activity and immune activity. Yet, it is unknown whether genetic lines divergently selected on FP (i.e. FP genotypes) or individuals differing in FP (i.e. FP phenotypes) can be categorized into coping styles. Therefore, we determined peripheral serotonin (5-HT) levels, natural antibody (NAb) titers, behavioral and corticosterone (CORT) responses to manual restraint (MR) in FP genotypes (high FP (HFP), low FP (LFP) and unselected control (CON) line) and FP phenotypes (feather pecker, feather pecker-victim, victim and neutral). We further examined the consistency of and relationships between behavioral and physiological measures. FP genotypes differed in behavioral responses to MR, 5-HT levels and NAb titers, but not in CORT levels after MR. HFP birds had less active responses at adolescent age, but more active responses at adult age compared to LFP and CON birds. The CON line had higher 5-HT levels at adolescent age, while the HFP line had lower 5-HT levels than the other lines at adult age. Overall, the HFP line had lower IgM NAb titers, while the LFP line had lower IgG NAb titers compared to the other lines. FP phenotypes differed in behavioral responses to MR and 5-HT levels, but not in CORT levels after MR or NAb titers. Within the HFP line, feather peckers tended to have less active responses compared to neutrals at adolescent age, while victims had more active responses compared to the other phenotypes at adult age. Feather peckers had higher 5-HT levels than neutrals at adult age. Behavioral and CORT responses to MR were not consistent over time, suggesting that responses to MR might not reflect coping style in this study. Furthermore, proactive behavioral responses were correlated with reactive physiological measures and vice versa. Thus, it was not possible to categorize FP genotypes or FP phenotypes into specific coping styles.
Collapse
|
17
|
Antigen-dependent effects of divergent selective breeding based on natural antibodies on specific humoral immune responses in chickens. Vaccine 2018; 36:1444-1452. [PMID: 29409681 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.01.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
NAb are defined as antigen binding antibodies present without a known previous exposure to this antigen. NAb are suggested to enhance specific antibody (SpAb) responses, but consequences of different NAb levels on immunization are largely unknown. Layer chickens were divergently selected and bred for keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-binding NAb titers, resulting in a High line and a Low line. In this study, we investigated: (1) the relation of NAb levels with SpAb titers; and (2) the effect of immunization on NAb titers. The 50 highest females of the High line and the 50 lowest females of the Low line of generation 2 were intramuscularly immunized at 33 weeks of age with 1 mL phosphate buffered saline (PBS) containing one of four treatments: (1) negative control (no antigen), (2) 500 µg KLH, (3) 100 µg avian tuberculin purified protein derivative of Mycobacterium avium (PPD), or (4) 250 µg human serum albumin (HuSA). IgM and IgG titers of NAb and SpAb in plasma were determined prior to immunization and weekly for 5 weeks post immunization by indirect ELISA. In addition, antibody affinity was investigated. No differences in SpAb and NAb response against KLH and PPD were observed as a consequence of different NAb titers, but increased and prolonged SpAb and NAb titer responses against HuSA were observed for the High line compared to the Low line. Different natural antibody titers did not impair SpAb dynamics and SpAb affinity. NAb titers were not, or for only short-term, affected by immunization. We show here that NAb may enhance SpAb responses, but that this effect is antigen-dependent. We hypothesize that NAb play a role in general disease resistance through enhancement of the humoral adaptive immune response.
Collapse
|
18
|
Berghof TVL, Visker MHPW, Arts JAJ, Parmentier HK, van der Poel JJ, Vereijken ALJ, Bovenhuis H. Genomic Region Containing Toll-Like Receptor Genes Has a Major Impact on Total IgM Antibodies Including KLH-Binding IgM Natural Antibodies in Chickens. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1879. [PMID: 29375555 PMCID: PMC5767321 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural antibodies (NAb) are antigen binding antibodies present in individuals without a previous exposure to this antigen. Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-binding NAb levels were previously associated with survival in chickens. This suggests that selective breeding for KLH-binding NAb may increase survival by means of improved general disease resistance. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed to identify genes underlying genetic variation in NAb levels. The studied population consisted of 1,628 adolescent layer chickens with observations for titers of KLH-binding NAb of the isotypes IgM, IgA, IgG, the total KLH-binding (IgT) NAb titers, total antibody concentrations of the isotypes IgM, IgA, IgG, and the total antibodies concentration in plasma. GWAS were performed using 57,636 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). One chromosomal region on chromosome 4 was associated with KLH-binding IgT NAb, and total IgM concentration, and especially with KLH-binding IgM NAb. The region of interest was fine mapped by imputing the region of the study population to whole genome sequence, and subsequently performing an association study using the imputed sequence variants. 16 candidate genes were identified, of which FAM114A1, Toll-like receptor 1 family member B (TLR1B), TLR1A, Krüppel-like factor 3 (KLF3) showed the strongest associations. SNP located in coding regions of the candidate genes were checked for predicted changes in protein functioning. One SNP (at 69,965,939 base pairs) received the maximum impact score from two independent prediction tools, which makes this SNP the most likely causal variant. This SNP is located in TLR1A, which suggests a fundamental role of TLR1A on regulation of IgM levels (i.e., KLH-binding IgM NAb, and total IgM concentration), or B cells biology, or both. This study contributes to increased understanding of (genetic) regulation of KLH-binding NAb levels, and total antibody concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom V L Berghof
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands.,Adaptation Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Marleen H P W Visker
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Joop A J Arts
- Adaptation Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Henk K Parmentier
- Adaptation Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan J van der Poel
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Addie L J Vereijken
- Hendrix Genetics Research, Technology and Services B.V., Research & Technology Centre, Boxmeer, Netherlands
| | - Henk Bovenhuis
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Greives TJ, Dochtermann NA, Stewart EC. Estimating heritable genetic contributions to innate immune and endocrine phenotypic correlations: A need to explore repeatability. Horm Behav 2017; 88:106-111. [PMID: 27913139 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The immune system plays an important role in enhancing an individual's ability to survive in a world inhabited by pathogens and parasites. The innate immune system is regulated by processes encoded in an individual's genome, providing an avenue for selection to act on this system, as well as the phenotypic relationships generated between this system and other traits of interest. While relationships between innate immunity and endocrine traits (e.g. testosterone) have been reported often in the literature, these relationships are complex and may differ under varying environmental conditions. To better understand the relative contribution of innate immunity (or an endocrine or behavioral trait) to a phenotypic correlation with another trait, an estimation of the underlying heritable genetic variation of the trait of interest is needed. An upper level estimate of the heritability of such traits can be obtained from calculating its repeatability. We conducted a literature review to determine how often repeated samples of measures of innate immune function were conducted and repeatability estimates obtained. This review revealed a very limited number of repeatability estimates, with a large range (0.0-0.9); estimates were exclusively from livestock that have undergone strong artificial selection. This observation of the present literature suggests more work is needed in non-domesticated and free-living animals to begin to understand the underlying genetic contribution of innate immune function to phenotypic correlations of interest (e.g. testosterone and immunity) to behavioral ecologists, evolutionary physiologists and ecoimmunologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Greives
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental and Conservation Sciences Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States.
| | - Ned A Dochtermann
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental and Conservation Sciences Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Emily C Stewart
- Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental and Conservation Sciences Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Strong RA, Hester PY, Eicher SD, Hu J, Cheng HW. The Effect of Cooled Perches on Immunological Parameters of Caged White Leghorn Hens during the Hot Summer Months. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141215. [PMID: 26495988 PMCID: PMC4619709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if thermally cooled perches improve hen immunity during hot summer. White Leghorn pullets at 16 week of age were randomly assigned to 18 cages of 3 banks at 9 hens per cage. Each bank was assigned to 1 of the 3 treatments up to 32 week of age: 1) thermally cooled perches, 2) perches with ambient air, and 3) cages without perches. Hens were exposed to natural ambient temperatures from June through September 2013 in Indiana with a 4 h acute heat episode at 27.6 week of age. The packed cell volume, heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, plasma concentrations of total IgG, and cytokines of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, plus lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α factor were measured at both 27.6 and 32 week of age. The mRNA expressions of these cytokines, toll-like receptor-4, and inducible nitric oxide synthase were also examined in the spleen of 32 week-old hens. Except for H/L ratio, thermally cooled perches did not significantly improve currently measured immunological indicators. These results indicated that the ambient temperature of 2013 summer in Indiana (24°C, 17.1 to 33.1°C) was not high enough and the 4 h heat episode at 33.3°C (32 to 34.6°C) was insufficient in length to evoke severe heat stress in hens. However, cooled perch hens had a lower H/L ratio than both air perch hens and control hens at 27.6 week of age and it was still lower compared to control hens (P < 0.05, respectively) at 32 week of age. The lowered H/L ratio of cooled perch hens may suggest that they were able to cope with acute heat stress more effectively than control hens. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of thermally cooled perches on hen health under higher ambient temperatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Strong
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Patricia Y. Hester
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Susan D. Eicher
- Untied States Department of Agriculture, Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Jiaying Hu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Heng-Wei Cheng
- Untied States Department of Agriculture, Livestock Behavior Research Unit, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|