The Modulating Effect of Dietary Beta-Glucan Supplementation on Expression of Immune Response Genes of Broilers during a Coccidiosis Challenge.

This study investigated the effects of a yeast-derived β-glucan (Auxoferm YGT) supplementation on mRNA expression of immune response genes in the spleen, thymus, and bursa of broiler chickens during a mixed infection. Day (d)-old chicks ( = 1440) were fed diets containing 0% or 0.1% YGT.

In ovo supplementation of probiotics and its effects on performance and immune-related gene expression in broiler chicks.

Probiotics are live, nonpathogenic microorganisms known to have a positive effect on the host by improving the natural balance of gut microbiota. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of administering probiotics (Primalac W/S) in ovo on hatchability, early post-hatch performance, and intestinal immune-related gene expression of broiler chicks. At embryonic day eighteen, 360 Cobb 500 eggs were injected with sterile water (sham), 1 × 105, 1 × 106, or 1 × 107 (P1, P2, and P3 respectively) probiotic bacteria.