Tsvetoslav Koynarski2, Mitko Lalev1, Pavlina Hristakieva1, Nadya Mincheva1, Magdalena Oblakova1 and Ivelina Ivanova1
1 Agricultural Academy, Bulgaria, Agricultural Institute – Stara Zagora, 6000, Bulgaria
2 Trakia University, Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Koynarski, Ts., Lalev, M., Hristakieva, P., Mincheva, N., Oblakova, M. & Ivanova, I. (2025). Influence of different water types on natural immune response in broiler chickens. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 31(6), 1179–1186
Current research investigates the impact of various water treatments on immune parameters in broiler chickens, with a focus on the alternative pathway of complement activation (APCA), beta-lysine activity, and serum lysozyme levels. Broilers were subjected to treatments with alkaline, hydrogen, magnetic, and reverse osmosis waters, and immune parameters were assessed. Results revealed that alkaline water treatment elicited the highest APCA activity, followed closely by hydrogen water treatment. Beta-lysine activity was notably enhanced in broilers treated with alkaline and hydrogen waters, while magnetic water treatment showed minimal effects. Additionally, serum lysozyme levels were significantly elevated in birds treated with alkaline water. These findings underscore the potential of water quality interventions, particularly alkaline and hydrogen waters, in enhancing immune function in broiler chickens. This study contributes valuable insights into the role of water treatments in promoting immune health and productivity in poultry farming practices.