Comparative effect of different schedules of administration of medicinal plants (Allium sativum, Berberis lycium, Eclipta alba and Mangifera indica) infusion on the immunity and overall performance of broiler chicks

The research study was conducted at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan in June-July, 2010 to investigate and compare the effect of different schedules of administration of medicinal plants (Allium sativum, Berberis lycium, Eclipta alba and Mangifera indica) infusion on the immunity, serum biochemistry and overall performance of broiler chicks. A total of 240, day old broilers were obtained from the local commercial market and divided into four groups (namely; TI-0D, TI-1D, TI-2D and TI-3D). Group TI-0D was given infusion on daily bases while group TI-1D, TI-2D and TI-3D received infusion on alternate day, alternate two days and alternate three days respectively, at the rate of 50 ml/L of water. These groups were further divided into two vaccinated and non vaccinated sub-groups; each sub group was carrying three replicates with ten chicks/ replicate. The infusion was prepared by mixing 12.5g of each plant/L of drinking water. Data was recorded on the performance and immunity of broiler chicks. Mean body weight gain, feed consumption, water intake, dressing percentage and feed conversion ratios were not altered among the groups (P greater than 0.05). Bursa and spleen weights were least in the daily administered schedule and the highest at the alternate day administered schedule. However differences were not significant statistically. Significantly (P less than 0.05) higher bursa and spleen weights were recorded in vaccinated birds as compared to non vaccinated birds. Weight of thymus was not affected by treatment and vaccination practice. Group TI-1D had higher (P less than 0.05) anti-IBD antibody titer at day 7, 21 and 35. Birds vaccinated for IBD out-performed (P less than 0.05) the non vaccinated birds at the same recorded days. Antibody titer against IB and ND was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in group TI-1D at day 35 only. Mean feed cost, gross return and income over feed cost was not affected by different schedules of water based infusion of medicinal plants. Income over feed cost was numerically higher in the alternate day administered schedule (group TI-1D). There was an increase of Rs.7.67 per chick, amounting to a significant amount of Rs.7670 per 1000 broilers in group B as compared to group TI-0D. It is concluded that water based infusion of Allium sativum, Berberis lycium, Eclipta alba and Mangifera indica at alternate day improved immunity against IBD, IB and ND while enhancing growth performance simultaneously.