Effects of Ascaridia galli infection in two breeds of broilers

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of experimental Ascaridia galli infection on the body weight (BW), packed cell volume (PCV) and total plasma protein (TP) of Hovad and Anak breeds of broilers. One hundred day old broiler chicks (50 for each breed) were divided into two subgroups (1-2) containing 25 birds per group of each breed. Subgroups 1 of each breed were infected with 500 infective eggs of A. galli at 3 weeks of age and subgroups 2 served as uninfected (Negative) controls. BW, PCV and TP values were determined and clinical signs observed weekly for 8 weeks post infection. Statistical analysis of data was performed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Values of p<0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results revealed decrease in mean values of the body weight gain, PCV and total plasma proteins in the infected groups of both breeds compared to the negative controls. The differences observed were however, not statistically significant, in both breeds at p>0.05 and values of p<0.05 were considered as statistically significant. A. galli infection had transient effect on BW, PCV and TP of infected birds.