EFFECTS OF PROBIOTICS AND PHYTOEXTRACTS ON GROWTH AND IMMUNOMODULATING PERFORMANCES OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to find out the effects of probiotics and phytoextracts (Korolla- bitter melon, Triphala-traditional three herbal components  and Safi-commercial polyherbal products) on growth, hemato-biochemical (TEC, TLC, ESR, Hb concentration, PCV, ALT, AST, Cholesterol, Tryglyceride, HDL and LDL) and immunomodulating performance of broiler chickens. The study was performed from February to April, 2017. A total of 150, seven-days-old broiler chicks were divided into five (05) groups using 30 chicks in each group. The group A was designated as control group (without probiotics and phytoextracts), with probiotics (Exolution^®) Group B, with phytoextract (Korolla-bitter melon) Group C, Triphala-traditional three herbal components Group D and Safi Group E. Chicks were reared for 35 days and body weight were measured on weekly basis. Broilers were sacrificed at the end of 35 days and blood samples were taken for hematological analysis. Serum samples were also taken for biochemical tests. Broilers in all treatment groups were necropsied at the end of the experiment to observe and determine the weight of the gross lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricious). Both body weight gain, hematological parameters like TEC, TLC, Hb concentration and PCV values and size of lymphoid organs (spleen, thymus, Bursa of Fabricious) were increased in birds supplemented with probiotics and phytoextracts as compared with control group. In biochemical parameters, AST and ALT values were decreased significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) in groups B, C, D, E from that of the control group. The findings of the experiment would help us to assess the use of proper feed additives as healthy growth promoter and immunomodulator in broiler chickens.