Functional Immunity in Cobb-Vantress Broiler Lines

Correlate functional host innate immune mechanisms with disease susceptibility in birds derived from single sired families (line 12). Assess the efficacy of viral and bacterial vaccinations in Cobb line 12 and line 58 birds as a means of determining the role of innate immune mechanisms in the development of acquired immunity. Assess heritability of innate immune function through crosses with current Cobb genetic lines.
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Evaluate both immune function and diseases susceptibility within familes of birds derived from a single sire. Assess the functional innate responses within a family and attempt to correlate the functional response with the susceptibility of birds from the same family to challenge with various bacterial pathogens. Assess the efficacy of viral and bacterial vaccinations in the innate immuno-efficient Cobb genetic line 12 birds when compared to the immuno-inefficient line 58 birds. Assess the development of immunity by cytokine production and/or gene expression in cells of the innate and acquired immune systems. In conjunction with Cobb geneticists, assess heritability of innate immune function by evaluating designated crosses of current Cobb genetic lines and by evaluating known generations within Cobb line 12 and 58 families.