Journal of Animal Research: v.5 n.2, p. 347-351. June 2015

DOI Number: 10.5958/2277-940X.2015.00060.1

Effect of Poly herbal Phytobiotic on the Growth, Immunocompetence, Development

of Digestive Organs and Carcass Characteristics of Commercial Broilers

Amitav Bhattacharyya*, Pankaj Kumar Shukla and Mayank Shukla

Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa

Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA.

* Corresponding author: A Bhattacharyya; Email: amitav16@rediffmail.com

Received: 06 September, 2014

Accepted: 12 June, 2015

ABSTRACT

Seventy two, one week old, Cobb 400 broiler chickens were distributed into two experimental groups having four replicates.

The birds of the control group were fed a basal diet (22.5% CP & 2830 K cal/kg ME) while the other group was offered a

basal diet supplemented with a polyherbal phytobiotic, AV/SSL/12 in drinking water@ 4 ml/100 birds/ day during 1-2 weeks,

8 ml/ 100 birds/ day during 2-4 weeks and 15 ml/100 birds/ day during 4-6 weeks of age. AV/SSL/12 birds had a significantly

higher (P<0.05) body weight compared to the control at 2nd week of age. The body weight gain of the birds in the liver tonic

fed group was significantly higher (P<0.001) compared to the control group at 2 nd week of age. Feed conversion ratio (FCR)

was significantly better (P<0.05) in the phytobiotic group compared to the control group during 3-6 weeks and 1-6 weeks of

age. Total immunoglobulins and mercaptoethanol sensitive (IgM) antibody titer (log 2) values in response to sheep red blood

cells was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the phytobiotic compared to the control group. The herbal supplemented group had

significantly higher (P<0.05) large intestine length compared to the control group at 6 weeks of age. However, there was

no significant difference between the treatment groups in the carcass characteristics and yield of cut up parts of the broilers

after 6 weeks of age. Hence, it may not be unreasonable to infer that poly herbal liver tonic, AV/SSL/12 possesses promising

immunomodulatory potential and supplementation of poly herbal liver tonic may elicit growth of commercial broilers.

Keywords: Growth, Immunity, Phytobiotic, Broilers

Liver is an important organ involved in various metabolic

(False Daisy, Bhringaraj) and Ichnocarpus frutescens

pathways regulating growth and productivity in poultry.

(Black creeper, Utpalagopa), Terminalia chebula (Black

As liver has a wide range of functions, it is vulnerable to

myrobalan, Haritaki). These herbs have hepato-stimulant,

various diseases. Phytobiotics are plant derivatives such

hepato-protective, immunomodulatory and antioxidant

as herbs, plant extracts or spices and have a wide range

activities (Sadekar et al ., 1998; Manu and Kuttan, 2009;

of activities viz. stimulation of feed intake, growth and

Michels et al., 2011; Dash et al ., 2007). Further, they

endogenous secretions in the gut. Phytobiotics possess

optimize digestion and metabolism resulting in better

hepatoprotective and hepatogenic properties, which tone

protein utilization, improved mucosal function and

up liver resulting in increased nutrient utilization and better

reduced cost of metabolic deamination. Hence, a study

performance. AV/SSL/12, poly herbal liver tonic (Ayurvet

was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a phytobiotic,

Ltd, Baddi, India) contains herbs viz. Achyranthes aspera

AV/SSL/12 on the body weight, body weight gain, feed

(Prickly Chaff Flower, Devil’s Horsewhip, Apamarga),

conversion ratio, immune competence traits, development

Andrographis paniculata (Green chirayta, King of bitters,

of digestive organs and carcass characteristics of

Kalamegha), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Boerhaavia

commercial broilers.

diffusa (Spreading Hogweed, Punarnava), Eclipta alba