INDUCTION OF EGG-WHITE LYSOZYME IN LAYER HENS

We have traced the dynamics of concentrations of lysozyme in the egg-white of layer hens treated with polybacterial immunomodulator. Experiments have been conducted on two flocks of hybrid Lohmann Brown commercial layers, where for the entire egg-laying period we have been taking samples to determine the concentration of lysozyme in the egg-white. In both flocks, we observed maximum values in the peak of the laying capacity, followed by a decline after reaching the age of 38 weeks. In the control flock, at the start of laying at the age of 24 weeks, the concentration of lysozyme was 4582.09+/-229.61 mg/l, thereafter rising to 7549.11+/-251.62 mg/l at week 34. After that we registered a decrease of values, alongside a decline in the egg-laying capacity. In the test flock, which was being treated with HELPANKAR, as soon as week 24, the concentration of lysozyme was 7391.62+/-364.85 mg/l, reached its maximum 11102.88+/-152.86 mg/l in week 38, and remained at high levels until week 70 5103.17+/-222.21 mg/l. These data indicate that, given an appropriate stimulation of mucosae with a polybacterial immunomodulator, the immune system of the birds responds with an increased production of lysozyme in the egg-white, conversely to what has been found in the control flock. Eggs produced thereby have, on the one hand, increased nutrition value, and on the other, they are a precious raw material for processing and extraction of the lysozyme because they contain approximately twice as much lysozyme compared to the physiological norm.