Influence of Phytogenics (Clove, Garlic and Pawpaw) on Growth, Gut Health and Immune Status of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The study assessed the growth performance, gut health, immune response, and antioxidative status of broiler chickens fed Clove Meal (CL), Garlic Meal (GA), and Pawpaw Leaf Meal (PLM) in diets. Three hundred and sixty 1-day old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned into nine dietary treatments in a completely randomised design. Each treatment had five replicates with eight birds per replicate. Treatments 1 and 2 were fed basal diets designating as; positive control (vaccinated) and negative control (not vaccinated), while diets of treatment 3 to 9 contained 0.15%CL, 0.25%GA, 3.0%PLM, 0.15%CL+0.25%GA, 0.15%CL+3.0%PLM, 0.25%GA+3.0%PLM, 0.15%CL+0.25%GA+3.0%PLM, respectively. Growth performance indices (ADW, ADFI and FCR,) were measured. At day 35, intestinal and blood samples were collected according to established guidelines. The resulting data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA to compare means. Birds fed phytogenic had lower FCR compared with the control groups with exception of birds fed 0.15% CL (1.61) and 0.25% GA (1.61). Birds fed with phytogenic and positive control had higher villi height than those fed negative control (2209.80µm). Birds fed 0.15%CL+0.25GA+3%PLM had higher Glutathione Peroxidase concentration (16.33units/mg protein), Glutathione S Transferase (64.16units/mg protein), Superoxide Dismutase (7.28units/mg protein), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (4.11units/mg protein) compared to other treatments. Basal diet with a combination of 0.15% clove, 0.25% garlic and 3% pawpaw leaf meals improved the FCR, gut morphology, glutathione peroxidase concentration and total antioxidant capacity. From the data obtained, 3% pawpaw leaf meal (PLM) appears optimal among the tested levels.