LAUSR

Pregnancy in dromedary camel is associated with down-regulation of immune responses that may lead to susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections so it is expected that feeding probiotics may help in strengthening pregnant dams’ immunity. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Bacilli mixture on the immunity of pregnant dams and their newborn calves’ peri-parturation. A total of 10 dams at late gestation to one-month post calving were divided into two equal groups: G1 (control) was fed the basal diet while G2 was fed diet supplemented with a mixture of [Bacillus subtilus - Bacillus licheniformis] (Enhancer1.3, 10g/head/day). Dams’, calves’ plasma and milk were collected at certain durations. Results revealed a significant increase in dams; IgG levels of G2 compared to G1 at one month pre calving, one week and one month post calving. Milk IgG levels showed significant increase in G2 at one week post-calving as well. Calves’ IgG levels showed significant increases in G2 at all durations. IgA in dams and calves didn’t show significant change at all. Milk IgA levels showed increases in G2 more than G1 at calving and one week post calving. IFN-γ level in dams’ plasma showed significant increase in G2 more than G1 at calving and at one week while in milk, levels showed significant increase in G2 only at one week post calving and in calves, levels were higher in G2 at one week and one month after birth. In conclusion, Bacilli mixture-based feed additive to the feed of pregnant dromedary she-camels improved some immunological parameters of them and their newborn calves.