Health and Carcass implications of dietary inclusion of graded level of sun-cured Neem (Azadirachta indica, A. juss) leaf meal for broilers

Abstract

The effects of feeding graded levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) of Neem leaf meals (NM) to broiler chicks on live weights, carcass and organ weights and blood constituents was investigated. Two hundred and forty (240) 7 days-old unsex broiler chicks (Arbor acres) were randomly allocated to five treatments of 48 birds each, replicated four times with 12 birds each in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were given ad-libitum till 56 days. The results of the live weights and carcass and organ weights decreased with increased NM inclusion in the diets. Haematological constituents were not affected (P>0.05) except the packed cell volume while the serum biochemical indices of birds fed 20 % NM diets were decreased (P<0.05) compared with those fed control, 5 %, 10% and 15% NM diets. Inclusion of 15% NM in broiler chicks' diet had no adverse effects on live, carcass and organ weights and immunity responses. NM needs further treatment to improve inclusion levels beyond 15 % in broilers' diets.

Effects of Neem Leaves Aqueous Extract on Organ Histology, Haematological Parameters and Biochemical Indices in Catfish

“…The observed reduction in serum glucose is contrary to the findings of Winkaler et al, 2007, Saravanan et al, 2011and Obun et al, 2013, but is in agreement with the findings of Ogbuewu et al, 2008 in rabbit who attributed the reduction to the presence of bioactive compounds in Neem leaves which has the ability to block the energy metabolic pathway, thus making it difficult for the animals to meet their energy requirement. It is also indicative of the hypoglycemic effect of neem as reported by El-Haway and Khalief, 1990.…”

“…A progressive decrease in AST and ALT levels has been reported to be suggestive of the hepatoprotective activity of Neem leaves meal. However, it should be noted that neem leaves was observed to induce a negative effect in rabbits fed with neem leaves meal higher than 10% concentration (Obun et al, 2013). The lower levels of total bilirubin, conjugate bilirubin (Fig 7) and creatinine recorded in Neem leaves aqueous extract fed fish agrees with the work of Ogbuewu et al, 2008) suggestive of the fact that Neem has no adverse effect on the liver (decrease values of total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin) and kidney (low creatinine).…”

Performance and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens fed avocado (Persea americana) seed meal based diet

“…The total protein and Urea content in T4 collaborates with earlier findings (Iyayi et al, 1998 andEsonu et al, 2001) that serum urea and T.P content depends on both the quantity and quality of the protein supplied in the diet. The increase in serum urea implies an increase in rate of deamination in the liver and this corresponds with the findings of Obun et al (2013) that had similar observation.…”

Blood and Gut Micriobiota Profiles of Broiler Chickens Fed on Diet Supplemented with Graded Levels of Neem (&lt;i&gt;Azadirachta indica&lt;/i&gt;) Oil

“…The antimicrobial activity of extracts of neem leaves against such micro-organisms as Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp and Escherichia coli, and some fungal strains have been reported [3,5]. Studies on the effects of neem leaves on poultry production especially of broilers and laying hens also exist [6,7]. Antimicrobial studies on the effects of neem leaves and their extracts on cultured microorganisms in vitro have also been carried out [3].…”