RESPONSES OF BROILERS TO DIFFERENT DIETARY CONCENTRATIONS OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC IRON IN RELATION TO IMMUNE REACTIONS

Abstract

Trace elements such as Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn are essential for the growth of broiler chicks, as they play a crucial role in various immunological reactions within the body. Iron, in particular, is a vital nutrient for rapidly growing organisms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of organic and inorganic iron on specific immune reactions in broiler chickens. Over a period of 35 days, the birds were fed diets containing different doses of iron sulfate and iron methionine (60 ppm and 300 ppm). The study evaluated the impact of these minerals on the bactericidal activity of lysozyme in serum and the migration of lymphocytes. Analysis of the data obtained from this research allows for the optimization of immunological reactivity in broiler chickens. Findings indicate that appropriate supplementation of iron can significantly enhance immune function, thereby improving overall health and growth performance in poultry.