Nutritional modulation of biochemical stress using Azolla pinnata in E. coli- challenged broiler chickens vaccinated with IBDV

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious and immunosuppressive viral disease of poultry, causing severe economic losses worldwide. Although intermediate plus live strain vaccines are widely used for IBD control, these vaccines may induce immunosuppression and metabolic stress, predisposing birds to secondary bacterial infections such as avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. Azolla pinnata, a nutrient rich aquatic fern possessing antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, has emerged as a promising feed supplement in poultry nutrition. The present study was designed to evaluate the ameliorative potential of Azolla pinnata in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and vaccinated with an infectious bursal disease virus live strain vaccine on biochemical, oxidative parameters and immunological response. Broiler chicks were vaccinated at 9 days of age and fed diets with or without Azolla pinnata supplementation at the rate of 5% in the feed in dried form, followed by experimental challenge with E. coli. Serum biochemical parameters, including total protein, albumin, globulin, liver enzyme activities, were assessed to evaluate hepatic status. Oxidative parameters like lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase and humoral immune response were evaluated to assess the immune status of birds. Dietary supplementation of Azolla pinnata resulted in improved biochemical, oxidative profiles and humoral immune response in vaccinated and E. coli-challenged birds, achieved mainly through its rich phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties, which indicated reduced hepatic stress. The findings suggested that Azolla pinnata supplementation may help to maintain homeostasis with live IBD vaccination and E. coli-challenged broiler chickens.