The blood profile and immune response of Noiler chickens fed diets containing different supplemental levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
This study evaluated the blood profile and immune response of Noiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A total of 300 day-old Noiler chickens were assigned to five dietary treatments comprising a basal diet supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% S. cerevisiae in a completely randomised design, with three replicates per treatment over a 16-week feeding trial. Haematological indices, serum biochemical parameters and immune responses (including differential leukocyte counts and antibody titres to Newcastle disease virus) were determined using standard laboratory procedures. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Results showed significant (P < 0.05) effects of dietary S. cerevisiae on most haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Birds fed yeast-supplemented diets exhibited higher haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell counts and total white blood cell counts compared with the control, with the highest values generally recorded in birds fed 1.5–2.0% inclusion levels. Serum total protein and globulin concentrations were significantly improved in yeast-fed groups, indicating enhanced protein metabolism and immune stimulation. Lipid profile indices were also significantly influenced, with birds fed 1.0% S. cerevisiae showing improved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Differential leukocyte counts revealed enhanced immune responsiveness, particularly in birds fed 1.5% and 2.0% supplementation levels. All measured blood and biochemical parameters remained within physiological reference ranges, suggesting no adverse metabolic effects. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae improved haematological status, serum biochemical balance and immune responsiveness of Noiler chickens, with optimal responses generally observed between 1.0% and 1.5% inclusion levels. The study demonstrates that S. cerevisiae is a safe and effective functional feed additive for enhancing physiological health and immunity in Noiler chickens under tropical production conditions.
Keywords: Blood profile, Immune response, Noiler chickens, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
