the effect of the feed deprivation periods on total immunuglobolins production and lymphocytes percentage in pullets and cockerels of broiler breeder

the aim of the present study was to compare different periods of feed deprivation (day number of starvation in four physical feed restriction programs) on total immunuglobulins and lymphocytes percentage in pullets and cockerels of broiler breeder. a 4x2 factorial experiment based on a completely random design. 160 pullets and 160 cockerels of broiler breeder. feed intake content weekly was the same for all feed restriction programs and daily feed content according to feed restriction program. during 3 to 20 weeks, chicks were treated with feed restriction programs including daily (without starvation), five days a week, six days a week and skip-a-day. total immunuglobolins content was determined in the 16th week and 21st week and lymphocytes percentage was determined in the end of the breeder period. analysis of variance and mean comparison was conducted. the period of feed deprivation in week had no significant effect on lymphocytes percentage. in the 16th week, total immunuglobulins content significantly increased in birds with the highest period of feed deprivation in week (skip-a-day program), in comparison with other treatments. results of the experiments showed that feed restriction can enhance total immunuglobulins in birds but there is not an evident trend in relation with the feed deprivation period in the feed restriction programs and total immunuglobulins.