Effects of Aloe vera on dressing percentage and haemato-biochemidal parameters of broiler chickens

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effects of Aloe vera on dressing percentage and hemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 chicks were used in this study. They were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups. Fresh Aloe vera leaf juice (ALJ) was prepared and administered to the test group T3 at the rate of 20 g/Lin drinking water daily. This study was carried out for 42 days. Dressing percentage and hemato-biochemical parameters were recorded at the end of experiment. Results: Group that was given Aloe vera (T3) showed numerically higher dressing percentage as compared to control group (T1) and drug control group (T2). It also showed significantly (P<0.05) higher value of Hb concentration, PCV percentage, total leukocyte count (TLC), blood plasma glucose concentration, and serum calcium level as compared to control and drug control groups. No significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in other parameters among all the treatment groups. Conclusion: Aloe vera has potential to be a growth promoter in broiler chicks and its growth promoting effects are comparable to that of antibiotic growth promoter (AGP).