The effects of different levels of Aloe vera gel on ileum microflora population and immune response in broilers: a comparison to antibiotic effects

Abstract

The purpose of the present research is to study the effects of different levels of Aloe vera gel on microflora population, humoral and cellular immune response, and relative weight of lymphoid organs compared to the effects brought about by antibiotic. The groups included the control group (basal diet) as well as three groups with different levels of Aloe vera gel (added to basal diet at 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%), and finally a group with basal diet supplemented by 15 ppm virginiamycin antibiotic. Regarding ileum microflora, the increase in Aloe vera gel in the feed resulted in significant reduction in the number of E. coli colonies and significant increase in the number of Lactobacillus colonies compared to the control and antibiotic groups. As far as humoral immunity is concerned, Newcastle disease virus antibody titre on the 24th and 38th day was the highest in 2.5% and 2% Aloe vera gel groups, respectively. In addition, sheep red blood cells antibody titre reached its highest level in the 2.5% Aloe vera gel group on the days 24, 28, 34 and 38. The differences among the groups regarding sheep red blood cells antibody titre were significant on the days 24, 28 and 34, while no significant differences were observed on the 38th day. Regarding the cellular immunity, the highest response was obtained by injecting phytohemagglutinin-P and the highest relative weight of spleen and bursa of Fabricius was found in the 2.5% Aloe vera gel group. The findings of the study suggest reduction in number of E. coli colonies and increase in number of Lactobacillus colonies as a result of increased Aloe vera gel in the feed. Furthermore, the 2.5% Aloe vera gel group resulted in significantly higher levels of humoral and cellular immunity, as well as relatively greater weight of lymphoid organs, which suggests that Aloe vera gel can be a proper replacement for the virginiamycin antibiotic.

Evaluation of Aloe vera and synbiotic as antibiotic growth promoter substitutions on performance, gut morphology, immune responses and blood constitutes of broiler chickens

“…In recent years, several studies concerning AV products use in broilers have arisen; however, results are somehow contradictory and some topics remain unstudied, such as the effect of AV powder on broiler intestinal morphology (Mmereol ; Darabighane et al . ). To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the comparative effect of synbiotic, antibiotic and AV supplementation on the growth performance, gut morphology, immunity, hematology and blood biochemistry of broilers.…”

Influence of drinking water containing Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) gel on growth performance, intestinal microflora, and humoral immune responses of broilers

“…[46] reported significantly higher anti-SRBC antibody (total immunoglobulins [Igs], IgG and IgM) titers in chickens supplemented with ethanolic extract of AV as compared with the control group. Results of another trial revealed significantly higher humoral immune responses against SRBC and NDV in chickens supplemented with 2.5% AV gel in diet [47]. Likewise, Valle-Paraso et al .…”

Effect of Aloe vera and vitamin E supplementation on the immune response of broilers

“…Akhtar et al (2012) reported that ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Aloe vera improved antibody titers against SRBC, whereas addition of Aloe vera to drinking water at a level of 2% improved antibody titers against NDV (Valle-Paraso et al, 2014). Furthermore, Akhtar et al (2012) and Darabighane et al (2012) reported similar positive effects on cellular immunity. The improvement in the immune system performance may be attributed to acemannan, a polysaccharide contained in Aloe vera.…”