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

Abstract

Aim:The risk of bacteria resistance to specific antibiotics possibly by continuous subtherapeutical administration of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry feed led to a ban on the use of AGP in poultry production. As a result of this ban, alternative substances for poultry growth promotion and disease prevention are being investigated, among which phytogenic and herbal products have received increased attention as natural additives because they have been accepted by consumers as natural additives. The effect of water supplementation of Aloe vera (AV) as an AGP substitute on performance, intestinal microflora, and immune responses of broilers.Materials and Methods:The five experimental treatments were allocated to four replicates. The following treatments were applied (1) a basal broiler diet (C) and normal drinking water, (2) 0.5% AV gel in drinking water, (3) 0.75% AV gel in drinking water, (4) 1% AV gel in drinking water, and (5) diet C supplemented with flavophospholipol at 4.5 mg/kg and drinking normal water. Vaccines against influenza disease and sheep red blood cell (SRBC) were administrated to immunological stimuli. The populations of Lactobacilli spp. and coliforms were enumerated in ileum.Results:Body weight of broilers supplemented with different levels of AV increased compared with control group (p<0.05). Birds supplemented with antibiotic had the best feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) in different periods. Supplementation of 0.5% and 0.75% AV improved F: G entire experimental period compared with control group (p<0.05). Coliform bacteria were reduced in broilers supplemented with different levels of AV or antibiotic (p<0.05). The Lactobacilli spp. population in birds supplemented with 0.75%, 1% AV or antibiotic significantly was higher than other groups (p<0.05). Supplementation with 1% AV led to greater antibody titers against SRBC compared with other groups (p<0.05).Conclusion:These findings demonstrated a possibility of supplementing broiler drinking water with 1% AV gel as an alternative for AGP substitution.

Tavuklarda Koksidiyoza Karşı Aloe vera Polisakkaritlerinin İmmunoterapötik Etkinliğinin Saptanması

“…For immunotherapeutic evaluation of A. vera polysaccharides, chickens of all the groups (experimental and control) were challenged with mixed Eimeria species in this study. Significantly lower oocyst counts in A. vera treated groups might be correlated to the development of resistance induced by A. vera polysaccharides against Eimeria species [12,37] . Yim et al [38] also reported that A. vera extract can be used as a safe dietary supplement against coccidiosis.…”

An evaluation of the impact of aloe vera and licorice extracts on the course of experimental pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 infection in pigeons

“…There is a general scarcity of published information about the immunomodulatory effects of aloe vera extract in pigeons. Shokraneh et al, ( 2016 ) evaluated the performance and selected immune parameters of chickens infected with NDV and receiving aloe vera extract. However, the cited authors did not analyze viral RNA copy numbers in the organs of infected birds; therefore, our results cannot be compared with their findings.…”

“…However, the cited authors did not analyze viral RNA copy numbers in the organs of infected birds; therefore, our results cannot be compared with their findings. According to the literature, aloe vera extract not only improves performance (Shokraneh et al, 2016 ), but also alleviates the symptoms of experimental infection and lowers mortality, which suggests that aloe vera has a potentially antiviral effect on NDV (Waihenya et al, 2002 ).…”

Pengaruh Penggunaan Lidah Buaya (Aloe vera) dalam Ransum Terhadap Produktivitas Ayam Broiler Pejantan

“…Walaupun demikian, penelitian sebelumnya (Shokraneh et al,2016;Sinurat et al, 2002 menunjukkan hasil yang berbeda. Pemberian lidah buaya tidak mempengaruhi persentase karkas ayam broiler.…”