Natural antibody isotypes as predictors of survival in laying hens

Abstract

To identify possible relationships between survival and titers of natural antibody (NAb) isotypes in serum of laying hens, birds from 12 purebred layer lines of 2 commercial breeds, Rhode Island Red (n = 524) and White Leghorn (n = 538), were monitored for survival during one laying period (from 20 until 70 wk of age). Titers of NAb isotype IgM- and IgG-binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in serum were measured at 20, 40, and 65 wk of age, respectively. Overall, the titers of IgM and IgG binding KLH decreased with aging. At the same age, lines within breed showed significantly different titers of isotypes (P < 0.0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that NAb isotype IgM and IgG titers at 20 wk of age were associated with survival at 20 to 40 wk of age. In the R breed, odds ratios of 0.56 (P < 0.0001) for IgM and 0.72 (P = 0.02) for IgG were estimated; in the W breed, these were 0.74 (P < 0.01) and 0.99 (P = 0.95) for IgM and IgG, respectively. We conclude that titers of Nab isotypes, especially the IgM-binding KLH at 20 wk of age, are indicative for survival during the laying period. The higher the titers of NAb isotypes, the higher the probability of layers to survive.

Antibodies and longevity of dairy cattle : genetic analysis

“…We showed that lower levels of Ab levels, including natural Ab (binding KLH) in milk, measured during first lactation, are associated with a longer productive lifetime. Given this association, our results seem in contrast with earlier studies on chickens (Star et al, 2007, Sun et al, 2011, which reported a positive relation between NAb levels in blood and the length of survival period of laying hens. In dairy cows, evidence was found that a higher level of SpAb, measured in blood, is associated with healthier animals or with animals that have a lower risk of developing a disease.…”

“…In dairy cows, natural-and specific antibodies, measured in both milk-and blood samples, are associated with the prevalence and risk of mastitis (Ploegaert et al 2008, Thompson-Crispi et al, 2013. Moreover, in chicken, high natural antibody levels, measured in blood, were associated with a longer survival period in laying hens (Sun et al, 2011). Based on these findings, natural-and specific antibodies are potential indicators for the health-status, and thus longevity, of dairy cows.…”

“…In poultry, studies on laying hens (12 elite pure bred lines) showed opposite antibody and survival correlations, compared to results reported in this thesis. Star et al (2007) and Sun et al (2011) found that higher antibody levels in blood are correlated with an increased survival period of laying hens. Comparison to the situation in laying hens might be questionable for several reasons.…”

“…Though little is still known of the mechanisms underlying the production of NAb, they are produced at tightly regulated levels in the absence of external antigenic stimulation (Dunkelberger and Song, 2010 . In chickens, Star et al (2007) and Sun et al (2011) showed that total plasma levels of NAb binding KLH, but also the plasma levels of IgM and IgG isotypes were indicative for the probability of chickens to survive their laying period. …”

“…NAbs are suggested to play an essential role in induction of a primary immune response and improve immune responsiveness to protect individuals against viral and bacterial pathogens , Ochsenbein et al, 1999Thornton et al, 1994;Lammers et al, 2004). In chicken, NAbs binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) were indicative for a higher probability of survival during the laying period (Star et al, 2007;Sun et al, 2011). In cattle, NAbs were found in both plasma and milk and NAb levels increase with age (Srinivasan et al, 1999;.…”