Supplementation of broiler feed with leaves of Vernonia amygdalina and Azadirachta indica protected birds naturally infected with Eimeria sp.

Abstract

Anticoccidial efficacy of the herbal mixture of Vernonia amygdalina (VA 10%) and Azadirachta indica (AI 10%) was tested against naturally infected broiler coccidiosis. A total of 100 four week old broilers naturally infected with coccidiosis were divided into five treatment groups based on the number of coccidian oocyst they contained. Group I which contained 20,700 oocyst counts served as a negative control. Group II contained 20,000 oocyst counts served as a positive control and was treated with a synthetic drug, amprolium, at recommended dose of 0.6 g/L for seven days. Groups III and IV with 20,200 and 20,500 oocyst counts were treated with 10% of V. amygdalina and 10% A. indica, respectively. Group V contained 20,400 oocyst count and was treated with the mixture of 10% each of V. amygdalina and A. indica. Groups II, III, IV and V were treated continuously for seven days. Oocysts were identified using the sodium chloride floatation method. The number of oocysts egg per gram (EPG) of faeces was determined by modified McMaster counting technique. Oocysts EPG decreased steadily in all the treated groups with a marked reduction in groups II and V. The packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count were determined using standard haematological methods. PVC, haemoglobin (Hb) and RBC count of the treated birds were significantly (p< 0.05) higher than those of the infected untreated groups. Hematological parameters and histological features showed a significant increase in WBC, RBC and lymphocytic infiltration; indicative of cell mediated immune response. Lower heterophil/lymphocytic ratio of the groups III, IV and V after treatment suggested immunomudulatory effect of the herbs (V. amygdalina and A. indica). Hence, the plants are capable of boosting the immunity of birds with either clinical or sub-clinical coccidia infection following subsequent exposure.

Efficacy of Ethanolic Extract of Carica papaya leaves as a Substitute of Sulphanomide for the Control of Coccidiosis in KABIR Chickens in Cameroon

“…In line with the present findings, Jatau et al (2014) did not also record significant differences in the haematological parameters of chickens in an experiment they carried out with experimental fowls. However, the present findings are in line with the findings of Oyagbemi and Adejinmi (2012) and Ogbuokiri et al (2014) who reported significant differences in the RBCs and WBCs of chickens when they were given dry C. papaya leaves and other plant extracts. The latter observed significant differences in WBC and Hb values in chickens fed with C. papaya leaf extract.…”

Air-dried neem leaf extract: effects on the growth performance and blood profile of broiler chicken

“…The variation observed by the author might be due to the mode of application and basis of administration (dose per body weight). This finding also did not support the findings of Oyagbemi and Adejinmi (2012) who reported decline in glucose level using neem leaves extract in broiler production.…”

Phytochemical control of poultry coccidiosis: a review

“…Shows antimicrobial activity. ( Allen, 1997 ; Danforth et al, 1997 ; Allen et al, 1998 ; Al-Fifi, 2007 ; Nweze and Obiwulu, 2009 ; Oyagbemi and Adejinmi, 2012 ; Malik et al, 2014 ). Beta vulgaris (Sugar beet) Betaine Suppresses Eimeria developmental life cycle in the chicken's intestinal cells before oocysts are released in feces.…”