Work

Camel milk concerning erythrocytic immune-related gene expression in Escherichia coli-challenged broilers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Chicken erythrocytes play a role in immunity, yet the function of erythrocyte-related immune genes during Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) infection remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of camel milk powder supplementation on growth performance and erythrocyte-specific immune gene expression in E. coli -challenged broiler chickens. Methods A total of 240 one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four groups with three replicates (20 Chickens per replicate): Control (Basal diet + PBS), Infected ( E. coli challenged), T1 ( E. coli + 5 g/kg camel milk), and T2 ( E. coli + 10 g/kg camel milk). Performance metrics, organ weights, intestinal and hepatic histomorphology, hematological parameters, and viable E. coli counts in blood and cecum were assessed. Bioinformatics analysis of microarray data (GPL8764) guided the selection of key immune genes. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed on purified erythrocytes to evaluate immune gene expression. Results Feed intake, weight gain, and FCR were significantly ( p < 0.05) improved in the T1 group compared to the Infected group.While relative weights of the spleen and bursa did not differ significantly among groups, liver weight was influenced by supplementation, and histomorphological analysis revealed improved intestinal and hepatic architecture in camel milk-supplemented chickens. Hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, PCV, Hb) disrupted by infection were restored in treated groups. Furthermore, viable E. coli counts in the blood and cecum were significantly reduced in T1 and T2 groups on days 28 and 35. Bioinformatics analysis of microarray data (GPL8764) guided the selection of key immune genes. Quantitative real-time PCR performed on purified erythrocytes demonstrated that camel milk supplementation modulated the expression of Interleukin genes (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12) in Infected chickens. Conclusion The camel milk supplementation at 5 g/kg, effectively mitigated the negative impacts of E. coli infection by enhancing growth performance, reducing bacterial load, and modulating immune responses.

Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science

DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1960495

Authors: Uroosa Arain, Nasir Rajput, Mahum Arain, Ali Raza Jahejo, Yunkyoung Lee, Guiguo Zhang

Institutions: Sindh Agriculture University, Shandong Agricultural University, Jeju National University

Language: English

Topic: Animal Nutrition and Physiology

Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801