Host responses to Clostridium perfringens challenge in a chicken model of chronic stress

Abstract

CORT administration modulated a number of host functions, which corresponded to increased densities of <i>C. perfringens</i> in the small intestine and weight gain impairment in chickens. Importantly, results implicate physiological stress as an important predisposing factor to NE, which emphasizes the importance of managing stress to optimize chicken health.