In vivo effect of Berberis lyceum and Silybum marianum on production performance and immune status of broiler chickens

Abstract

Abstract. We conducted an in vivo experiment to study the effect of water-based infusion of Berberis lyceum and Silybum marianum on production performance and immune level of broiler chicks. A total of 120 day old broiler chicks was obtained from the same parent flock, and divided into four experimental groups i.e., WBI-0 (control), WBI-5 (5 ml/l), WBI-10 (10 ml/l) and WBI-20 (20 ml/l). Each group was further divided into three replicates with 10 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design. The birds were reared in separate pens for 35 days in an open sided house. Low feed intake (P > 0.05) but higher weight gain (P < 0.05), dressing percentage (P > 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05) were observed in group WBI-20. High level of antibody titre was also observed in group WBI-20 against the Newcastle and infectious bronchitis antigen, while significantly high (P < 0.05) antibody titre against infectious bursal disease was recorded in WBI-10. Based on the experimental findings, it was concluded that water based infusion of 20 ml/l resulted as a valuable source to enhance production traits and to boost up immunity in broilers.