Relationship Between Fish Oil and Immune Response of Pigeons Vaccinated Against Newcastle Disease

Infectious diseases are one of the main factors constraining the birds sector. In Iraq, pigeons are facing various diseases such as Newcastle disease (ND). Therefore, the experiment was carried out at the animal house, college of veterinary medicine/ University of Kufa to find the effect of fish oil on the immune response and antibody production against ND in pigeons daily oral administrated fish oil. Thirty male pigeons (Zigil breed) were randomly divided into two equally treated groups as the following: T1/ birds without fish oil supplementation (as a control group) while T2/ birds were supplemented daily with 1 ml fish oil orally during the experimental period (30 days). Blood samples were collected at three times (0, 15 and 30 days respectively) during the experimental period. Serum total protein, albumin, globulin and antibody titer against ND were measured. The results indicate that fish oil has a significant enhancement of immune response and antibody production against ND while there are no significant differences in serum total protein, albumin, and globulin. In conclusion, oral administration of fish oil during breeding period of pigeons may improve antibody production against Newcastle disease and some of blood biochemical traits and finally improve health status.