PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF CHICKEN GENOTYPES INOCULATED WITH ATTENUATED SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS IN THE DERIVED SAVANNA ZONE

Abstract

The Nigerian Indigenous Chickens (NICs) are characterized with high viability, disease resistance and heat tolerance compared with their exotic counterpart. Hence, this study examined the physiological responses of chickens inoculated with attenuated Salmonella enteritidis. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. Seventy-five (75) matured chickens comprising of Naked Neck (NN), Fulani Ecotype (FE) and Kuroiler (Kr) were sourced from pre-existing stock on the farm while mating was done using artificial insemination in a Completely Randomized Design. One hundred and twenty progenies were generated from three crosses (NN × NN – 40 chicks, FE × FE – 40 chicks and Kr × Kr – 40 chicks) and are reared from day old to 24 weeks. Data collected on weekly basis were: Body Weight (BW), Rectal Temperature (RT), Pulse Rate (PR), Respiratory Rate (RR) and Heat Stress Index (HSI). Data collected were analyzed using General Liner Model and mean were separated by Duncan Multiple range test at P<0.05. Genotype significantly influenced (P<0.05) physiological parameters of all chicken genotypes studied. The progenies of Kuroiler had the highest body weight (632.88g), Kuroiler Fulani ecotype had higher pulse and respiratory rate (50.14 – 50.55beats/min) after inoculation. Naked neck and FE progenies had higher antibody titre (60% and 40%) respectively after inoculation. In conclusion, NN × NN and FE × FE chickens should be selected for high disease resistance and for better adaption to tropical environment while Kuroiler (Kr × Kr) chickens should be considered for high body weight.