Growth performance and immunity status of starter broiler birds supplemented with neem (Azadirachta indica) and garlic (Allium sativum)

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM + GM) on growth performance and serum parameters of starter broiler birds. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0ppm, 500ppm, 1000ppm and 1500ppm). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Additives and levels of inclusion had significant (P<0.05) influence on growth performance parameters. Final live weight (FLW) (725.69g/bird), weight gain (WG) (718.72 g/bird), daily weight gain (DWG) (25.67 g/bird/day) and feed intake (61.02 g/bird) of birds were increased (p<0.05) by NLM + GM compared to GM which was decreased. Weight gain (716.19g/bird) and daily weight gain (25.57g/bird) of birds were influenced at 1500ppm levels of inclusion than that of 1000ppm levels of inclusion. Highest (P<0.05) Feed intake of birds was recorded at 1000ppm (60.92 g/bird/ day) but similar to 1500ppm (60.89g/bird/day) levels of inclusion compared to that of 0ppm inclusion levels which was lowered. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was superior at 0ppm and 1500ppm levels of inclusion compared to 1000ppm inclusion levels. Improved (P<0.05) FLW (806.00 g/bird), WG (759.60 g/bird) and DWG (27.12 g/bird/day) were recorded at 1000ppm inclusion levels of NLM + GM compared to GM at 1000ppm levels of inclusion. Feed intake (67.32 g/bird/day) and mortality (20.00) of birds at 1500ppm inclusion of NLM + GM were elevated compared to 500ppm inclusion of NLM + GM which was depressed. Inclusion at different levels of added additives significantly (P<0.05) influenced FCR but was superior at 500ppm inclusion levels of NLM + GM than that of GM at 500ppm levels of inclusion. Additives and levels of inclusion had no significant (P>0.05) influence on serum parameters. Highest albumin content (3.30 g/dl) was recorded at 0ppm levels of inclusion of added additives but lowest at 1500ppm inclusion levels of NLM + GM. Decreased (P<0.05) amount of cholesterol (81.00mg/dl) and high density lipo-protein were achieved at 1500ppm inclusion levels of GM but was increased at 0ppm of added additives.

Additives had no significant (P>0.05) influence on serum parameters except MCHC which was influenced by NLM +GM. Inclusion levels at1500ppm increased PCV, Hb and RBC but was decreased at 0ppm inclusion levels.

It can be concluded that feeding of NLM + GM at 1000ppm improved growth performance and additives at different levels affected the serum biochemical of the starter broiler chickens.

Keywords: Neem, garlic, starter broilers, growth performance, serum