J. Appl. Poult. Res.
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J APPL POULT RES 2006. 15:183-189
© 2006 Poultry Science Association
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Research Reports

Dietary Lutein Influences Immune Response in Laying Hens

G. Y. Bédécarrats1 and S. Leeson

Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1

Correspondence: 1 Corresponding author: gbedecar{at}uoguelph.ca

Lutein, a xanthophyll carotenoid, has been proposed as a potential candidate for the prevention of numerous diseases in human. Because lutein content in eggs is directly correlated with the lutein content in hen diets, there is interest in producing a lutein-enriched designer egg. Evidence in several species also suggests direct effects of lutein on the immune response. Because flaxseed is commonly used in layer diets, we investigated the potential effects of dietary lutein supplementation with or without flaxseed supplementation on phytohemagglutinin P (PHA-P)-induced cutaneous hypersensitivity and on antibody response to infectious bronchitis vaccination in layers. No significant effect was observed on cutaneous hypersensitivity to PHA-P, but dietary lutein significantly boosted the secondary antibody response to infectious bronchitis vaccination. Flaxseed supplementation alone did not significantly affect the parameters studied. However, reduced lutein effect was observed when lutein was combined with flaxseed. In conclusion, dietary lutein stimulates the antibody response to infectious bronchitis virus vaccination. Thus, in addition to producing designer eggs, lutein supplementation also likely benefits the health of the flock by increasing the efficacy of vaccination.

Key Words: chicken • layer • lutein • immune system • infectious bronchitis






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