A groundbreaking study by scientists at St. Petersburg University of Veterinary Medicine highlights the potential of fucoidan, a polysaccharide extracted from brown algae, as a natural enhancer of chicken immunity. This innovation could significantly reduce the reliance on antibiotics in poultry farming.
The Potential of Fucoidan in Poultry Farming
The research involved 90 Smena-9 broiler chickens, a crossbreed developed in Russia to mitigate reliance on imported genetics. The study had two experimental groups, each consisting of 30 chickens, supplemented with 100 g and 200 g of fucoidan per tonne of feed during a 35-day period.
Enhancing Immune Response
Researchers carefully monitored the process of phagocytosis—whereby specialized immune cells, known as phagocytes, capture and digest pathogenic microbes. They also measured levels of lysozyme, a key enzyme that bolsters natural resistance, along with crucial blood serum metrics such as bactericidal activity and concentrations of immunoglobulins A, G, and M.
Remarkably, the findings indicated that feeding chickens with 200 g of fucoidan resulted in more than double the phagocytic activity compared to the control group. Moreover, lysozyme activity rose by 26%, while serum bactericidal activity increased by 19%. These results underscore a significant enhancement of the immune response.
The researchers attributed these positive effects to the fortification of the “intestinal barrier,” which serves as the body’s primary defense against infections.
Building on Previous Research
Prior studies also underscored fucoidan’s benefits in commercial poultry settings. In a 2024 study, the same researchers observed a 23% increase in phagocytic activity among laying hens fed fucoidan, suggesting enhanced cellular immunity. The study noted a trend towards increased erythrocyte counts and a decrease in leukocyte numbers in chickens from the experimental group as compared to controls.
These cumulative findings present a promising pathway towards the use of fucoidan as a safe alternative to antibiotics in poultry farming. Researchers are optimistic that this natural supplement can contribute to healthier poultry populations and reduce the growing concern over antibiotic resistance.
