Management of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) in Poultry Breeders and Layers: Role of Clinical Nutrition in Supporting Immunoglobulin Levels and Preventing Egg Peritonitis
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) presents unique challenges in poultry farming, particularly for breeders and layer birds, where it can disrupt immune function and exacerbate reproductive health issues like egg peritonitis. Addressing these challenges requires an integrative approach that combines preventive measures with clinical nutrition interventions to enhance immune support, maintain immunoglobulin levels, and manage secondary bacterial infections.
1. Understanding LPAI in Poultry Breeders and Layers
LPAI is a viral infection affecting poultry, often with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms. However, in breeders and layers, LPAI can also disrupt egg production and quality, weakening the birds’ immune response and making them susceptible to complications like egg peritonitis and secondary bacterial infections. Symptoms of LPAI may include:
- Respiratory distress (coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge).
- Reduced feed and water intake.
- Lowered egg production and egg quality.
- Increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections, potentially leading to egg peritonitis.
The disease’s impact on the immune system underscores the importance of targeted nutritional interventions that can bolster immunity and mitigate these adverse effects.
2. Egg Peritonitis and Secondary Bacterial Infections
Egg peritonitis is a common reproductive issue in poultry layers, characterized by the infection of egg yolk material in the abdominal cavity. This condition can result from impaired immune responses, making the bird vulnerable to bacterial invasions, particularly after viral infections like LPAI. The weakened immune state following an LPAI infection increases the risk of secondary bacterial infections, which can exacerbate egg peritonitis and lead to significant health challenges.
Clinical nutrition support has emerged as a valuable strategy to address these concerns, particularly through the enhancement of immunoglobulin levels, improved liver health, and better respiratory health management.
3.,Role of Immunoglobulins and Cellular Antioxidants in LPAI Management
Immunoglobulins (IgY in poultry) are critical components of the bird’s immune system, aiding in pathogen neutralization and infection resistance. Maintaining adequate immunoglobulin levels in breeders and layers is essential to prevent secondary infections and manage viral loads. Cellular antioxidants, which support cell health and function, play a crucial role alongside immunoglobulins, helping reduce oxidative damage and sustaining immune responses during infections.
Key cellular antioxidants include Vitamin E, Selenium, and Vitamin C, which are incorporated in both drinking water and feed to support immune resilience and reduce stress-related tissue damage
4. Clinical Nutrition Support for Immunity and Egg Peritonitis Prevention
To address immune challenges, secondary infections, and reproductive health issues such as egg peritonitis, clinical nutrition supplements are used to provide targeted support. The key nutritional components include:
A. L-Carnitine, Inositol, and Natural Betaine (LiverPro)
1. L-Carnitine: L-Carnitine is crucial in energy metabolism and liver health. By promoting fatty acid oxidation, L-Carnitine supports immune cell function and aids in reducing fat deposits in the liver. Its role in cellular energy production is critical in maintaining egg quality and production, especially during stress periods associated with LPAI infection.
2. Inositol: Inositol is essential for cell membrane integrity and acts as a precursor for phosphatidylinositol, a vital component of cellular membranes. In layers, inositol can enhance liver health and play a role in immune modulation, which helps prevent egg peritonitis by supporting the body’s natural defenses.
3. Natural Betaine: A powerful osmolyte and methyl donor, Natural Betaine plays a dual role by protecting cells from osmotic stress and supporting methylation pathways that are critical for immune function. By reducing oxidative stress and supporting liver function, Natural Betaine helps maintain immunoglobulin levels, contributing to enhanced immunity and reduced susceptibility to bacterial infections.
These ingredients work synergistically to bolster the immune response, support liver function, and protect against the immunosuppressive effects of LPAI, ultimately reducing the risk of egg peritonitis and other secondary infections.
B. 1,8-Cineole + Menthol Oil (Bronchovest)
1,8-Cineole, the active component in eucalyptus oil, and menthol oil are effective in supporting respiratory health, an essential consideration in managing LPAI:
Bronchodilation and Mucus Clearance: Cineole acts as a bronchodilator, facilitating mucus clearance and reducing congestion in the respiratory tract, which is crucial for birds with compromised respiratory function.
Antibacterial Properties: 1,8-Cineole also exhibits antibacterial properties, reducing the risk of secondary bacterial infections that often follow LPAI. For effective respiratory relief and bacterial inhibition, the concentration of 1,8-cineole should be maintained at 0.2–0.5% of the oil blend in water or feed.
Combined with menthol, Bronchovest provides an effective natural solution for respiratory health, reducing the likelihood of respiratory-related complications and secondary infections.
C. Water Acidification to pH 4.5–5
Using acidifiers to maintain water pH in the range of 4.5 to 5 can also help in LPAI management by improving gut health and reducing pathogenic bacterial load:
Antimicrobial Action: Acidified water creates an inhospitable environment for pathogenic bacteria in the gut, supporting a balanced microbial population and preventing bacterial overgrowth that could lead to secondary infections.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Acidified water facilitates better mineral absorption and intestinal health, supporting the immune system by maintaining gut integrity.
This strategy not only aids in reducing pathogens but also improves overall health and nutrient utilization in breeders and layers, which is essential during disease outbreaks like LPAI.
Conclusion
A comprehensive approach to managing LPAI in poultry breeders and layers involves not only biosecurity and vaccination but also tailored clinical nutrition support. Nutritional supplements such as L-Carnitine, Inositol, and Natural Betaine (LiverPro) can enhance immunoglobulin levels and support liver and immune health, which are essential for preventing secondary infections like egg peritonitis. Additionally, respiratory health aids like Bronchovest (1,8-cineole and menthol) and water acidification provide further support to immune and respiratory systems, helping the flock manage the effects of LPAI and maintain productivity.
By integrating clinical nutrition with other management practices, poultry breeders and layer farms can better protect their birds from the adverse effects of LPAI, ensuring healthier flocks and sustained productivity.
References
1. Khan, R. U., Naz, S., Dhama, K., & Abdelrahman, M. M. (2014). “L-Carnitine and its role in poultry nutrition.” World’s Poultry Science Journal, 70(1), 125-132.
2. Suresh, G., Das, R. K., Kaur Brar, S., & Rouissi, T. (2018). “Inositol as a natural dietary supplement: Prospects in enhancing animal and human health.” Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 38(2), 154-168.
3. Weber, G. M., Kielstein, P., Kähler, M., & Erhardt, W. (2012). “Effect of 1,8-cineole on airway mucus production and inflammation in poultry.” Poultry Science Journal, 91(3), 821-827.
4. Kaewtapee, C., Krutthai, N., Bunchasak, C., & Poeikhampha, T. (2011). “Effect of drinking water acidification on the performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens under heat stress.” Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 24(12), 1749-1756.
5. Fahey, J. R., et al. (2005). “The Role of Immunoglobulins in Poultry Immunity and Disease Prevention.” Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 106(1-2), 1-14.
