THE EFFECT OF INCREASING TESTOSTERONE AND LPS INJECTION TO THE CHICK OF DOMESTIC CHICKENS (Gallus gallus domesticus) IMMUNITY AND GROWTH

Abstract

In avian species, mothers can mitigate future challenges for their offspring by investing more or varied substances into their eggs. This strategy's primary goal is to enhance their descendants' survival chances. Since egg development occurs independently outside the mother's body, we manipulated the egg's contents by increasing androgen hormones in the albumin region. In this study, we introduced testosterone (T) and sesame oil injections during the early stages of embryo development and observed the effects. After hatching, both chicks were injected with LPS derived from Escherichia coli to assess their immune response and biometric growth. We measured the effects of T injections on body temperature, body mass, and the development of vital internal organs. The results revealed that chicks from the T-injected group exhibited three key indicators of improved condition: (1) a stronger response to LPS injection, as shown by a higher increase in body temperature compared to the control group, (2) similar body mass growth during early development, and (3) enhanced development of vital organs related to immunity. These findings suggest that embryos could utilize the increased testosterone during development to boost their immune responses against potential infections.