Evaluation of Fermented Chicken Feather Meal as a Dietary Supplement on Rat Lipid Metabolism and Immune Response

High cholesterol and compromised immune function are significant health concerns. Conventional treatments have limitations. Lactobacillus-fermented chicken feather meal may offer a natural solution. This study evaluated the effects of Lactobacillus-fermented chicken feather meal on blood lipoproteins and lymphocytes in rats. Lactobacillus species was isolated and characterized using standard microbiological technique. The impacts of feed supplement prepared from this probiotic was evaluated using in vivo, gravimetric and instrumentation techniques. The results showed significant (P<0.05) decreases in lipid profiles, including cholesterol (147.50 mg/dL), LDL-C (28.45 mg/dL), HDL-C (64.15 mg/dL), and triglycerides (91.75 mg/dL). The fermented meal also modulated blood lymphocyte counts, with a notable increase to 271.86 (P>0.05) compared to the levamisole group (273.15, P<0.05). Dexamethasone significantly (P<0.05) reduced lymphocyte count to 113.82. The study suggests that Lactobacillus-fermented chicken feather meal has potential benefits for cardiovascular health and immune function, highlighting its value as a feed supplement. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of Lactobacillus-fermented chicken feather meal as a valuable feed supplement for promoting cardiovascular health and immune function.