Experimental aflatoxicosis in commercial broilers and its amelioration by dietary Andrographis paniculata: A haemato- pathological study
D. SAPCOTA, R. ISLAM, A K MEDHI AND M. BORAH
Department of Poultry Science
College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati - 781022
Email: [email protected]
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The effects of dietary aflatoxin B1 (300 ppb) in commercial broilers (n = 150) and its amelioration by using Andrographis paniculata (AP) were studied in experimental aflatoxicosis. The study was carried out for 6 weeks with graded doses of AP (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/kg). The effects of toxin on feather, leg, and toe hemorrhage scores, organ weight and haemato-biochemical parameters were noted. Aflatoxicosis significantly (P<0.05) affected the leg, feather and toe hemorrhage scores; dietary AP could completely correct the feather and toe scores but incompletely corrected the leg score. The relative weights of liver, gizzard, heart, giblet and proventriculus were significantly (P<0.05) increased during aflatoxicosis; however, the dietary AP could amend the problems, though partially. The relative weights of spleen, bursa of Fabricius, ready-to-cook carcass and serum level of glucose remained unchanged during aflatoxicosis. The serum total protein, cholesterol, PCV and RBC levels were decreased whereas, triglyceride level increased significantly (P<0.05) due to feeding of aflatoxin. However, addition of AP in the diet could correct these problems in a dose dependent manner. The serum enzymes, i.e., SGPT, SGOT, SGGT and ALP activities were significantly (P<0.05) increased in aflatoxicosis, nevertheless, AP showed ameliorating effects on these parameters, though partially.
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