Background: Feed intake in poultry is a complex process regulated by central and peripheral mechanisms. The identification of novel supplements and agents to improve growth is of high priority. Nisin is a bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis and, when used as a supplement, increases feed intake and weight gain. The central and systemic effects of ICV (intracerebroventricular) and IV (intravenous) administration of nisin are still unknown.
Methods: Forty-eight male Ross 308 broiler chickens were used in two experimental groups of 24 for the study. In the first experiment, ICV injection of nisin (0.1, 1 and 10 μg) was performed. In the second experiment, IV injection of nisin (1, 10 and 100 μg) was performed. Feed and water consumption were measured at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes after injection and blood samples were collected from the chickens to evaluate serum biochemical parameters including albumin, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, urea, BUN, and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP)
Results: Administration of 1 µg of nisin via ICV produced a significant increase in cumulative feed intake at 90-180 min, whereas an equivalent effect was observed following IV injection of 100 µg at 120-180 min post-injection. Both ICV and IV injections at effective doses significantly reduced water intake compared to controls. No significant differences were observed in serum biochemical parameters across groups.
Conclusion: This study shows that central and systemic injection of nisin significantly increases feed intake and significantly reduces water consumption in broiler chickens, without having a detrimental effect on serum parameters.