Black soldier fly (<i>Hermetia illucens</i>) larvae enhances immune activities and increases survivability of broiler chicks against experimental infection of <i>Salmonella</i> Gallinarum

• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0236
• Publication Date: 2018-04-15T22:30:30Z
• Authors: Jina LEE; Yun-Mi KIM; Young-Kyu PARK; Young-Cheol YANG; Bock-Gie JUNG; Bong-Joo LEE
• Keywords: CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; 570; Salmonella Infections, Animal; Immunology; 0402 animal and dairy science; broiler chicks; 600; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; Note; black soldier fly; Animal Feed; immune response; 3. Good health; Animals; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Simuliidae; Chickens; Poultry Diseases

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) are rich in protein and have the potential to be used in animal feed. The aim of the present study was to determine the immunoprophylactic effect of BSFL against Salmonella Gallinarum in broiler chicks as an alternative feed additive. Results showed that BSFL improved body weight gain and increased frequency of CD4+ T lymphocyte, serum lysozyme activity, and spleen lymphocyte proliferation. Moreover, BSFL reinforced bacterial clearance and increased survivability of broiler chicks against S. Gallinarum. These data suggested that BSFL has prophylactic properties with stimulating non-specific immune responses, as well as reduced bacterial burden against S. Gallinarum.