The effect of Zingiber officinale on the spleen tissue and antibody titer of broiler chickens

Abstract

Introduction Increasing the immune system’s function of fighting infectious diseases is very important in the poultry industry. Ginger, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. The use of ginger in the diet of poultry increases serum levels of superoxide dismutase enzymes and glutathione peroxidase, which are considered to be important antioxidant enzymes. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of ginger on the spleen tissue of broiler chickens. Material and Methods The specimens comprised 2 groups of 20 Ross breed broiler chicks, for 42 days and were then, examined and tested. The diet was supplemented with 1 g/kg of ginger powder from the beginning of the rearing period. Blood samples of the chicks were randomly collected to measure the levels of hemagglutination (HI). The removed spleens were fixed with 10% formalin buffer. The specimens were cut in 5-micron diameters and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results and Conclusion There was a statistically significant difference in the mean of HI blood titers between the chicks in the growth period and final period groups (p < 0.05). The white-pulp tissue samples were more clearly seen in the treatment group than in the control group, and also, it was observed that the wall of the central artery of the white pulp was thicker in the ginger-treated group as compared with the control group. The nutritional value of ginger may vary. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the effect of this plant final on weight gain; the serum factors associated with the metabolic chart, and the response of the immune system to this plant.