Performance, blood profile and gut morphometry of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with Yohimbe (Pausynistalia yohimbe) and Larvacide

Abstract

The need for making livestock products free from antibiotics residue and other synthetic chemicals has resulted to the use of herbal products in livestock production. A 42-day study was conducted to compare the influence of Yohimbe ( Pausynistalia yohimbe) and Larvacide on the growth performance, blood profile and gut morphometry of broiler chickens. Two hundred and twenty five 14-day old broiler chickens were randomly allotted into five treatment groups comprising of forty five chicks each. The groups were triplicates of fifteen birds. The five treatment groups consist of Basal (control), Larvacide (5 mg/Kg), three levels of Yohimbe supplementation (60 mg, 120 mg, and 180 mg/Kg) diets. Each supplement was supplied with the specified diets for the two phases of feeding [starter diet (3–4weeks) and the finisher diet (5–8weeks)]. Data collected were subjected to One-way analysis of variance. Results show insignificant effect ( p >0.05) on the growth performance parameters at the starter phase. However, at the finisher phase, supplementation of Yohimbe resulted to a progressive reduction in the feed intake ( p <0.05) without consequential reduction in the body weights. The chickens fed Basal diet+180 mg Yohimbe had the best Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). Furthermore, chickens fed basal starter diet+180 mg Yohimbe had the highest ( p <0.05) total protein, globulin, Red Blood Cell (RBC), White Blood Cell (WBC), and Eosinophil counts while it had the least ( p <0.05) Alanine Transaminase (ALT), uric acid and creatinine. Also, chickens fed basal starter diet + 60 mg Yohimbe had the highest ( p <0.05) Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) while chickens fed basal starter diet+120 mg Yohimbe had highest ( p <0.05) High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), but lower Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglyceride. At the finisher phase, chickens fed basal diet+180 mg Yohimbe had the highest ( p <0.05) Pack Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin and basophils while chickens fed basal diet+60 mg Yohimbe had the highest WBC. Chickens fed basal diet+120 mg Yohimbe had the least ALT and uric acid. Triglyceride, and cholesterol, HDL and VLDL, were lowered ( p <0.05) in chickens fed basal diet+Larcacide. Also, chickens fed basal diet+180 mg Yohimbe had the highest ( p <0.05) villi height. The study concluded that feeding broiler chickens basal diet+180 mg Yohimbe improved optimum growth performance, blood profile and gut morphology.

Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum MB001 and its probiotic effect on growth performance, cecal microbiome and gut integrity of broiler chickens in a tropical climate

“…An improved nutrient digestibility is concomitant with ME-LP supplement because these probiotics are thought to result in more nutrients becoming available for absorption via the suppression of growth and metabolic activities of the gut pathogens, as well as alterations in intestinal growth, morphology, and function such as reduction of intestinal epithelium thickness and epithelial cell turnover. Moreover, this may probably involve the stimulated secretion of bile, mucus, and endogenous enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, and amylase) in the pancreas and intestinal wall by probiotic bacteria [ 33 ]. Similarly, the adding of Lactobacillus spp.…”

Microencapsulated basil oil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) enhances growth performance, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens in the tropics

“…Carvacrol, thymol, and limonene at 100 ppm in encapsulated form improved AID of nutrients and growth performance in broilers [ 37 ]. This is possibly due to the stimulated secretion of bile, mucus, and endogenous enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase, and amylase) in pancreas and intestinal wall [ 38 ]. The high CP digestibility in MBO group may enhance bioavailable amino acids and cell proliferation, resulting in increased intestinal integrity.…”

Albizia lebbeck Stem Bark Aqueous Extract as Alternative to Antibiotic Feed Additives in Broiler Chicks Diets: Haematology, Serum Indices and Oxidative Status

“…Alagbe [3] Albumin content in the blood are generally influenced by protein shortages, however, the values reorted fall within the range reported by Subhadarsini and Silpa [45]. Ibrahim [46] ; Obajuluwa, et al [55]; Olafadehan, et al [56]; Livingston, et al [57] reported a globulin and uric acid range of (1.6 -1.9 g/dl) and (3.7-5.2 mg/dl) respectively. This result is also in agreement with the findings of Obiakaonu, et al [58] and Simeraks, et al [59].…”