Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Herbs on Duodenum of Broiler Birds

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of feed supplemented with Amla (Emblica officinalis) fruit powder, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract and Kalimusli(Curculigoorchioides) root powder on the performance of broilers birds. Experiment was conducted on seventy eight healthy broiler birds of Ross AP strain irrespective of their sex. Six birds were sacrificed at day one. Remaining seventy-two birds were divided into four groups with eighteen birds in each groups as control group (Group I), standard group (Group II), kalimusli supplemented group (Group III) and polyherbal supplemented group (Group IV). Six birds from each group were sacrificed at 14, 28 and 42 days of age to record the gross morphometrical parameters. Herbal supplementation has significant effect on weight, length and width of duodenum at all ages. The weight, length and width of duodenum was maximum in group III and minimum in group I in adult broiler birds. Herbal supplementation has significant effect on total wall thickness of duodenum. In group III, total wall thickness was maximum in all age groups. However, in group IV, the total wall thickness was more and significant at 14 and 28 days of age. At 42 days of age, the total wall thickness was more in group II in comparison to group IV. The villi were tongue and foliate shaped. From the result it may be concluded that dietary supplement with kalimusli herb enhanced the morphohistological parameters,duodenal functional performance and health status of broiler chickens.