Abstract
This study was aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory, growth promoting and protective effects of aqueous (AE) and
ethanolic extracts (EE) of Ficus religiosa L. against coccidiois is in broilers. The F. religiosa bark was used to prepare AE and
EE. Immunomodulatory effects were demonstrated by lymphoblastogenic response to Phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) and
humoral response to sheep erythrocytes. Feed conversion ratios were calculated as an indicator of growth performance. The
protective effects were assessed in broilers experimentally infected with Eimeria species (a mix of local isolates). Results
revealed significantly elevated lymphoblastogenic responses (p<0.05) in AE and EE inoculated broilers as compared to control
group. The antibody titers (Total, IgG and IgM) were also higher in experimental groups inoculated with Ficus derived extracts
as compared to control. Significantly improved FCR values (p<0.05) were recorded in groups inoculated with AE and EE of
F. religiosa. In challenge experiment, higher protection rates (50-70%) were observed in birds inoculated with Ficus extracts
as compared with those of control group (35%). Further, higher percent protections against gut (caecal and intestinal) lesions
were observed in groups inoculated with Ficus extracts when compared with control group. Moreover, statistically lower
(p<0.05) oocysts counts and higher (p<0.05) daily weight gains were also recorded in groups inoculated with Ficus extracts as
compared to control group. In conclusion, Ficus derived AE and EE revealed immunostimulatory and growth promoting effect
with subsequent protective efficacies against coccidiosis in broilers
Sundas Mumtaz, Masood Akhtar, Mian Muhammad Awais , Muhammad Irfan Anwar. (2021) EVALUATION OF IMMUNOMODULATORY, GROWTH PROMOTING AND PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF Ficus religiosa AGAINST COCCIDIOSIS IN BROILERS, Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Volume 58, Issue 1.
-
Views
618 -
Downloads
114
Article Details
Volume
Issue
Type
Language
