Effect of cold exposure on the immune response of chickens.

The effect of various environmental temperature changes on the antibody production of chickens were examined. Chronic cold exposure significantly increased the antibody titers. Birds exposed to 32.2 degrees C. and above had significantly depressed agglutinin levels. Short term cold exposures 2 or 4 times following the antigen injection enhanced the agglutinin and hemolysin response. Thirty minute cold exposures for 2 or 4 times significantly increased IgM antibody production and markedly reduced the IgG antibody. The data suggest the elevation of antibody titers are in relation to time of the cold treatment and antigen injection. Observed differences of antibody production may be due to cold induced changes in the metabolic activity of antigen reactive cells and antibody producing cells.