Immunity system Archives

Thinning mucus and facilitating its removal from the respiratory tract. As a result, the airways are cleared and breathing during inflammation becomes easier. It is a real support in the treatment of respiratory disorders through its expectorant and spasmolytic properties.

Respiratory diseases are one of the main causes of loss of athletic condition and growth and development delays in racing pigeons.

The respiratory organs of birds are a vulnerable system because they are constantly exposed to the external environment and, therefore, are subject to infections.

Birds have air sacs outside the lungs. The air sacs continuously supply the lungs with air, ensuring pulmonary ventilation.

In flying birds, the air sacs are essential during flight because:

– they form the oxygen reserve at the time of take-off, when the rib cage is immobile as a result of muscle contraction,

– they reduce the specific weight of the body,

– they ensure balance during flight,

– they fix the internal organs so that the shock of landing is cushioned.

The air sacs are organs with a thin, poorly vascularized membrane, which makes them difficult to treat in cases of infection. They are also connected to other organs, not only the lungs, including bones! Being very susceptible to infections, a localized infection of the respiratory system can easily spread to the digestive system or the oviduct and vice versa by migrating pathogens, such as septicaemia due to coli bacillary superinfection in birds.

Mucociliary clearance is the primary innate defence mechanism of the respiratory system.

The respiratory tract is equipped with a functional mucociliary apparatus consisting of a protective mucous layer, a liquid layer at the surface of the airways and cilia on the surface of the ciliated cells. This apparatus produces mucus, which traps inhaled particles and pathogens and propels them out of the airways (e.g. by sneezing). This mechanism, called mucociliary clearance, is the main innate defence mechanism of the respiratory system.

When the pigeon suffers from a respiratory disease, which is usually complicated by a co-infection or secondary bacterial infection, there is an excess production of mucus that impairs mucociliary clearance. The excess mucus obstructs the airways by forming sores and plugs, leading to dyspnoea (hypoxia) and allowing invasive bacteria to adhere and colonize the respiratory system.

The accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract severely reduces oxygen intake, causing difficulty breathing, reduced feed intake and a decrease in the energy level of the birds, which has a negative impact on weight gain and performance. Respiratory problems can result from infection with bacteria, viruses and fungi or from exposure to allergens. The resulting irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract leads to sneezing, wheezing and coughing and, the rapid spread of infection.

A healthy respiratory system eliminates 80% of inhaled germs. When the animal’s defences are worn out by overexertion, infectious agents can penetrate deep into the respiratory tree, from which it is very difficult to remove them. As a result, pigeons are struck by various infections that have a negative impact on performance: colibacillosis, aspergillosis, mycoplasmas, etc.

For this we have created a formula concentrated in natural extracts that can become an important tool for managing respiratory problems. Extracts of plantain, echinacea, thyme, mint, eucalyptus, gentian, fennel, anise, Ginko biloba, willow, chamomile, rosehip have well-known applications in medicine. Based on the antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic action of the extracts, the product will have the following effects:

– reducing the spread of respiratory pathogens,

– rapid reaction of the body to alleviate respiratory distress and

– maintaining the functionality of the mucociliary apparatus.

All this, because:

– antibacterial properties will increase the body’s resistance to bacterial diseases such as salmonellosis, colibacillosis, mycoplasmas or clostridia that pose serious problems for the respiratory system and other segments

– positively influence the avian immune system, as it promotes the production of immunoglobulins, increases lymphocyte activity and stimulates the release of interferon-γ. In this way, it increases the titter of antibodies against viral diseases (avian influenza, Newcastle disease (fowl pox))

– activates antioxidant defence mechanisms reducing oxidative stress

– beneficial effect on intestinal microflora, absorption, digestion, weight gain and also has an antioxidant effect.

– Frees the airways from mucus optimizing breathing and thus the correct oxygenation of your

Rich in nutrients that strengthen immunity: vitamin C, probiotics: Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis, highly absorbable minerals: zinc, iron, copper and natural extracts with powerful anti-infective properties: Cinnamon oil, Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Immunity is a complex and remarkable system that plays an essential role in protecting the body from various harmful invaders, including bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. It is a defense mechanism formed by a real network of organs, cells and proteins that defend the body against infections, while protecting the body’s own cells. Thus, once a threat is identified, the immune system uses various mechanisms to destroy and eliminate the invaders. This may involve the release of chemicals, the engulfment of pathogens by immune cells and the activation of other immune components.

To maintain a healthy immune system, it is essential that the diet is balanced, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics play vital roles in supporting immune function.

Iron is important for the production of healthy red blood cells, and iron deficiency can cause anemia. In addition, recent studies have shown that iron plays another key role: it regulates the immune system, especially in the gut. Iron is absorbed into immune cells in the gut, regulates these cells, and influences intestinal immune responses during infections.

This relationship explains the weakened immune response in anemia and the increased susceptibility to infections because these immune cells in the gut are compromised due to iron deficiency.

https://ufhealth.org/news/2023/uf-researchers-discover-iron-plays-key-role-in-immune-system-health

Zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient that strengthens the immune system, intervenes in cellular activities, and has a positive effect in the treatment of infectious diseases. A deficiency of Zn can lead to an imbalance in the immune system. This imbalance is especially evident in cases of severe deficiency, where there is a high susceptibility to various viral infections. Zinc ions are involved in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways in immune cells (the ability of a cell to receive, process or transmit signals with the environment and with itself). Zinc also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of

Copper is an essential trace element for the body, and changes in copper levels often indicate a pathological state. Thus, copper deficiency significantly affects the development and function of the immune system, increases susceptibility to various pathogens, leads to a decrease in the number and impaired function of neutrophils, reduces the antibacterial activity of macrophages, impairs the ability to produce antibodies, etc. Copper contributes to immunity in two ways: by participating in the development of immune cells and by providing antifungal agents. The “contact kill” toxicity of copper alloy surface materials to clinically relevant pathogens can reduce the transmission of clinically relevant pathogens.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum has antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The main components of cinnamon essential oil are trans-cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and linalool. Studies show that cinnamon essential oil exhibits significant inhibitory effects on both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, such as Salmonella enterica, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. It is also considered one of the most beneficial and useful in anti-infective, antifungal or antiviral treatment. Its antimicrobial activities recommend it in numerous pharmaceutical applications.

Probiotics have been defined as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”. Probiotics protect against infectious diseases by multiple mechanisms including secretion of antipathogenic substances, competitive exclusion of pathogens, maintenance of mucosal integrity and stimulation of immune responses.

Bacillus subtilis

Endospore formers, such as Bacillus species, are of interest because their spores resist the acidic barrier of the stomach and are stable for long periods of time. Bacilli, considered intestinal commensals, are used as probiotics for the prophylaxis of gastrointestinal disorders, for the prevention of recurrent respiratory infections or as an adjuvant in the administration of antibiotics. Bacillus species have been shown to produce antimicrobial substances, improve intestinal epithelial barrier functions and stimulate cytokines.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

is known shield especially for its therapeutic efficacy against various gastrointestinal diseases. This probiotic yeast can significantly protect the normal microbiota of the intestine and inhibit the pathogenicity of various digestive infections. Several clinical studies have declared S. cerevisiae a biotherapeutic agent due to its antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

It is an excellent source of protein with a high content of amino acids. S. cerevisiae is also responsible for the formation of glutathione, an important antioxidant used in the pharmaceutical industry. It can enhance its antioxidant properties by increasing the production of phytochemical constituents such as isoflavones.

Activated charcoal

It plays an essential role in maintaining health because activated charcoal binds to toxins, bacteria and mycotoxins (such as aflatoxins), and eliminates them through the digestive tract, thus reducing the absorption of harmful factors into the bloodstream. Adsorption therapy with activated charcoal as an indigestible carrier is one of the important methods to prevent the harmful effects caused by the ingestion of toxic or harmful substances into the body.

Activated charcoal not only binds toxins or organic acids, but also controls pathogenic bacteria and complexes with phenolic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent interference with enzymatic function and protein digestion.

Activated charcoal has also been shown to control lactic acid concentration and help maintain pH levels and microflora. [Hasan Rüstü Kutlu, Ilknur Ünsal, Murat Görgülü, Effects of providing dietary wood (oak) charcoal to broiler chicks and laying hens, Animal Feed Science and Technology, Volume 90, Issues 3–4, 16 April 2001]

Thus, the use of activated charcoal is recommended for:

– control of pathogenic organisms in the intestines, a very important aspect especially in crowds and in hot periods or areas, where microbial degradation of feed is a major threat

– it is beneficial for intestinal health, stimulates the development of the microbiome and has the role of improving the absorption of nutrients in the intestinal segment

– the beneficial effect on the development of the organism, by improving the feed conversion rate

– increases the performance of laying and egg quality, which will provide the nutrients necessary for the future embryo, contributing to increasing the survival rate of the chicks

– controls the level of ammonia in the pigeons’ habitat, thus optimizing environmental factors, considering that a high level of ammonia in the droppings can affect growth and performance, especially in young animals, and at the same time determines the development of pathogenic bacteria leading to the appearance and maintenance of respiratory and digestive diseases.

Administer 5-10 g/kg of grains, depending on the situation:

– for prevention and for maintaining digestive health: 5 g/kg of grains,

– as an associate in the specific treatment of a disease and in convalescence: 10 g/kg of grains. It is administered throughout the year in courses of 5-7 days, and especially in periods when immunity suffers (autumn, winter, spring, high humidity, extreme temperatures), vaccinations, change of environment, competitions, moulting period.