An Investigation of the Resistance of White Leghorn Chicks to Salmonella Gallinarum

BREED differences in response to experimental challenge with Salmonella gallinarum (fowl typhoid) were reported by Lambert and Knox (1928) and differences in physiological responses for the resistant White Leghorn (W.L.) and the susceptible Rhode Island Red (R.I.R.) have been described by Garren and Barber (1955) and Garren and Hill (1959). The importance of genetic control of resistance to infection is well recognized (Hutt, 1964; and Fredeen, 1963). However, the bases for such physiological phenomena have not, in many instances, been elucidated. The investigations reported herein were designed (a) to determine what effects the age of the chicken had upon resistance to S. gallinarum, and (b) to explore some factors which might account for the differences in the resistance of the White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red to fowl typhoid. MATERIALS AND METHODS The W.L. and R.I.R. chicks used in these studies were obtained from the University Poultry Farm hatchery. They …