Carry-over effects of dietary yeast RNA as a source of nucleotides on the immune system in Leghorn-type chickens

Abstract

Exogenous dietary nucleotides in addition to an endogenous supply from biosynthesis, are required for the optimal function of tissues with a high rate of turnover such as lymphoid and intestinal tissues. particularly in growing animals. Recent studies with murine species and human subjects have demonstrated the modulatory effect of dietary nucleotides on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. As nutritional status in early life can exert long-term influences on avian immune functions (Dibner et al. 1998), this study investigated the carry-over effects of short-term, posthatching supplementation of dietary RNA as a source of nucleotides, on the immune system in chickens.