Influence of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis M.) as an alternative to antibiotics on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and haemato‐biochemical indices of broiler chickens

Abstract

Background: Medicinal herbs as classes of additives to poultry feeds have proven to be beneficial due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.Objective: A 6-week study was conducted to assess the effects of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis M.) as an alternative to antibiotics on the growth performance, carcass traits and haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chickens.Methods: A total of 240 unsexed commercial broiler chickens, 2 weeks old, were randomly allocated to four treatments: T1 (negative control), T2 (positive control, 1 g/L oxytetracycline), T3 (0.5% Aloe vera gel extract) and T4 (1% Aloe vera gel extract) in a completely randomised design (CRD), with six replicates of 10 birds per replicate. The Aloe vera gel extract was administered in fresh drinking water. Results:The results revealed across all the treatment groups, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were found in terms of growth performance and carcass traits. However, the mortality rate was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the positive control and the Aloe vera groups compared to the negative control. Total cholesterol, total glucose, and high-density lipoprotein values for the experimental groups (T3 and T4) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the control groups. The values for red blood cell count, haemoglobin content, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration for the birds treated with Aloe vera gel were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the control groups. Conclusions:It is therefore concluded that the addition of Aloe vera gel extracts up to 1% in the drinking water could replace antibiotics in broiler chickens without any adverse effects on the health status and the performance of birds.

Revolution of Bone and Teeth Health: Study of Aloe Barbadensis Instant Powder Formulation

“…Its anti-inflammatory properties will shield teeth wounds from discomfort and hasten their healing. This ability will support aloe barbadensis in its use as a supplement to support tooth and bone growth (Quaye et al, 2023).…”

“…The smell that was detected is the characteristic scent of Aloe barbadensis; it is similar to the scent of grass and is unique to Aloe barbadensis alone. The reason for the liquid extract form is that distilled water is added to Aloe barbadensis to increase its dominance, resulting in a liquid extract (Quaye et al, 2023).…”

“…Anemia is associated with quantities of red blood cells and hemoglobin. The spine produces red blood cells, which are correlated with the spine's health (Quaye et al, 2023). Figure 1 below illustrates the duration of the test animals' treatment and the procedure used for collecting blood from them.…”

Use of red grape pomace and Aloe vera gel as nutraceuticals to ameliorate stocking density-induced stress in commercial male broilers

“…However, it is important to note that the relationship between AVG levels and erythrocyte count followed a negative quadratic trend, with an optimal level of AVG that maximized the erythrocyte count calculated as 2.83%. Quaye et al ( 2023 ) noted higher levels of erythrocyte count in 42-day-old Cobb 500 broilers supplemented with AVG extract at 1% compared to the control groups. The authors attributed the increase to the erythropoietin effects of AVG on hemopoietic cells in the bone marrow, which can improve erythrocyte production (Iji et al, 2010 ).…”

Effect of Aloe vera Gel Supplementation as a Natural Source of Mannan Oligosaccharides on Productive Performance and Oxidative Status of Growing Rabbits

“…Many studies have shown antibacterial, antiseptic, antiinflammatory and immune-modulator effects of Aloe vera (El-Kholy et al, 2022). Many studies have also shown antioxidant and anti-cancerous properties of Aloe vera (Abo El-Azayem et al, 2023;Quaye et al, 2023).…”