Effect of water extract of two leaves (Allium sativum and sauropus androgynus) on egg production and yolk cholesterol levels in egg laying hens

Abstract

Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the effects of sweet leaf (Sauropus androgynus) and garlic (Allium sativum) leaves water extract on the egg production and yolk cholesterol level of 30-week-old hens. Materials and Methods: Ninety 30-week-old hens were colony caged in an environmentally controlled house to evaluate the effect of garlic and sweet leaf (Katuk, Indonesian) leaves water extract administration on hens. Sweet leaf and garlic extract were prepared by macerating sweet leaf and garlic leaves in distilled water (1:1, w/w). Hens were randomly divided into three equal groups: one served as a control and was administered with drinking water only. The other two groups were administered 5% water extract of sweet leaf or garlic leaves, respectively. Results: Garlic and sweet leaf water extract increased egg production (p<0.05), but not the efficiency of feed consumption (p>0.05). Garlic or sweet leaf water extract administration results in lower (p<0.05) serum and yolk cholesterol contents. Conclusion: Garlic or sweet leaf water extract increased egg production but decreased serum and yolk cholesterol contents of egg laying hens.