Embryonic thermal manipulation improved early immunity in broiler chickens.

ABSTRACT: Immunity in chickens is age-dependent and develops gradually over time. The initial defense by the host is a crucial mechanism for combating microbial infections. Embryonic thermal manipulation (TM) represents a promising approach for sustainable broiler production. Our previous work provided significant insights into the effects of TM on embryonic thermotolerance, metabolism, growth performance, microbial diversity, and immunity. This follow-up study used a subset of hatchlings previously used in our TM-related studies. This study aims to investigate the effects of TM on immunity-related genes in the spleen, bursa, and thymus. A total of 600 fertile Cobb 500 eggs were incubated for 21 days. After candling, 238 eggs underwent TM at 38.5 °C from embryonic day (ED) 12-18, then transferred to

SUBMITTER: Amaz SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12484176 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature