Fig. 3 | Scientific Reports

Fig. 3

From: Maternal β-carotene supplementation improves offspring growth, development, immunity, and intestinal microbiota in chickens via immune-mediated and microbial-mediated maternal effects

Fig. 3

The growth and developmental benefits of offspring from immune-enhanced hens are correlated with serum maternal immune factors in offspring. a Serum IgG, LYZ, and AvBDs levels in offspring embryos (E15, E19, and E21) and chicks (C7, C14, and C21) as determined by ELISA. n = 6. A two-way ANOVA was performed using GLM, and different letters indicate significant differences (P < 0.05). b Spearman correlation between serum immunity factors and growth and developmental performance in offspring chicks. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, n = 6. LYZ, lysozyme; AvBDs, avian beta-defensins; BW, body weight; DVH, duodenum villus height; DCD, duodenum crypt depth; JVH, jejunum villus height; JCD, jejunum crypt depth; IVH, ileum villus height; ICD, ileum crypt depth. CON, control group with their hens fed basic diet; BC, experimental group with their hens receiving a basal diet supplemented with β-carotene.

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