Studies on biochemical profile in indigenous and exotic chicken challenged with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV)

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) on both exotic White Leghorn and indigenous chicken breeds (Aseel, Nicobari, and Kadaknath). Pure stocks of these breeds were subjected to vNDV challenge via the intramuscular route, with an egg infective dose (EID50) of 107.83 per 0.1 mL. Following infection, four birds from each breed were sacrificed at 2 days post-infection. Significant alterations were observed in body weights and feed intake among the different chicken breeds in response to vNDV challenge. Despite variations in feeding activity and body weight parameters across breeds, all chickens exhibited susceptibility to the relatively high dose of vNDV. Notably, Aseel and White Leghorn chickens displayed comparatively better growth rates, attributed to enhanced feeding activity at 2 days post-challenge. However, biochemical indices such as total protein, albumin, and globulin levels remained unaltered. Overall, our findings indicate susceptibility among all breeds to high doses of velogenic NDV.