Three genetically distinct lines of chickens were subjected to a simulated bacterial infection. The immune response of the different types of chickens were compared to provide insights into cellular mechanisms underlying immune response to pathogens. The three lines responded differently to the challenge through inflammatory response and gene expression. The inflammatory response was defined by body temperature measurements.

Commercial animal agriculture is experiencing a strong consumer preference for meat produced without the use of prophylactic antibiotics. Identifying genetic differences between birds responding favorably versus unfavorably to infection could provide us with powerful information. This knowledge could then be applied to commercial breeding stock as a selection tool for producing chickens with better immune responses to bacterial infections and subsequently reduce antibiotic use.