Comparison of the Immunomodulating Activity of Rhizopus nigricans Meal with -glucan in Nera Black Cocks

This study investigated the Immunomodulating activity of Rhizopus nigricans meal with a view of comparing it with that exhibited by -glucan. The indicators of the immunomodulating activity employed in this study were: hormonal assay (testosterone estimation), testis homogenization (elongated spermatids evaluation) and internal organs histological examinations. R. nigricans meal supplementation enhanced the spermatozoa production level significantly (p<0.05) than the control feed. There is however no significant difference (p>0.05) in the protection offered by the -glucan on the sodium arsenite toxicity when compared with that exhibited by the R. nigricans meal. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed for the testosterone level between treatment groups, but a significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in the group boosted with the -glucan after four weeks. The histological examination of the internal organs revealed that, both -glucan and the R. nigricans meal offered similar protection against sodium arsenite toxicity in the birds. The study revealed that the Immunomodulating activity of the R. nigricans meal compared favorably with that of -glucan in the experimental birds.