The effect of feed supplementation with a copper-glycine chelate and copper sulphate on cellular and humoral immune parameters in chickens

Abstract

Copper has been shown to plays an important role in immune functions. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of inorganic and organic forms of copper on the concentrations of cytokines, acute phase proteins and prostanoids in the peripheral blood and liver of poultry. The concentration of copper in serum and tissues was also determined. A total of 900 1-day-old Ross 308 male chickens were used. The rearing period was 42 days. The material for analysis comprised samples of peripheral blood, liver, intestine and muscle of experimental chickens. The obtained results indicate that the supplementation of broilers feed with copper chelates promotes secretion of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Increased synthesis of the immunoregulatory serum amyloid A (SAA) and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (α-AGP) and prostanoids following the administration of copper-glycine chelates in the diet indicates the stimulatory effect of copper on cellular and humoral immune mechanisms.

Keywords

• chicken
• copper
• acute phase proteins
• cytokines
• prostanoids