Effect of Selenium-Enriched Japanese Radish Sprouts and Rhodobacter Capsulatus on the Cholesterol and Immune Response of Laying Hens (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Immune response, disease resistance and hypercholesterolemia are the crucial factors for commercial chicken producers, and there is no breed or strain with superior immunocompetence status. Recently, a strong relationship between hypercholesterolemia and the immune status of the host animal has been identified in mice (Martens et al., 2008). Chickens merely transfer antibodies to their offspring by depositing antibodies in the egg (Brambell, 1970). This deposited antibody in egg is pivotal for raising immunity of its newborn offspring. The impact of hypercholesterolemia on inflammation and atherosclerosis has received considerable attention, but much less is known about its potential effects on protective immunity. It therefore seems highly desirable to modulate the susceptibility of chicken to infectious challenges and decrease cholesterol by using nutritional adjuvants.