RESUMO

The effect of garlic on the absorptive surface of the small intestine of broilers was investigated towards elucidating its mechanism of growth promotion. One hundred day-old Arbor acre broilers were reared in 4 separate groups of twenty-five each. Broiler diet was supplemented with graded doses of garlic meal viz: 0 percent - group A; 0.125 percent - group B; 0.25 percent - group C; 0.5 percent - group D. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was determined at 6 week-old. At 8 week-old, five broilers/group were selected randomly, euthanized and sections of the jejunum were harvested for histological examination. Villi lengths, widths and cryptal depths were determined. Mean body weight at 8 weeks old was highest in group B (1930 +/- 41g) and least in group A (1850 +/- 92g). FCR was highest in group D (4.34) and least in group B (3.8). Mean villi length, villi width and cryptal depth were highest (p<0.05) in group B i.e. 39.3 +/- 2.3 mm, 7.64 +/- 1.6 mm and 23.0 +/- 1.6 mm, respectively, indicating increased absorptive surface area. It was concluded that garlic meal supplementation at 0.125 percent in the diet of commercial broilers improved body weight gain and FCR by increasing villi length, villi width and cryptal depth.

Fue investigado el efecto del ajo sobre la superficie de absorción del intestino delgado de pollos de engorde para dilucidar su mecanismo de promoción del crecimiento. Cien pollos pollos de engorde Arbor acres de cien días de edad fueron criados en 4 grupos. La dieta de los pollos se complementó con dosis graduales de ajo en: 0 por ciento - el grupo A; 0,125 por ciento - el grupo B, 0,25 por ciento - el grupo C y 0,5 por ciento - el grupo de alimentación D. El índice de conversión alimenticia (ICA) se determinó a las 6 semanas de edad. A las 8 semanas de edad, 5 pollos de cada grupo fueron seleccionados al azar, se eutanizaron y secciones del yeyuno fueron preparadas para el examen histológico. Fueron determinadas la longitud y el ancho de las vellosidades, junto a la profundidad de las criptas. La media de peso corporal a las 8 semanas fue mayor en el grupo B (1930 +/- 41 g) y menor en el grupo A (1850 +/- 92 g). El ICA fue mayor en el grupo D (4,34) y menor en el grupo B (3,8). La media de longitud de las vellosidades, ancho de las vellosidades y profundidad de las criptas fueron mayores (p <0,05) en el grupo B es decir, 39,3 +/- 2,3 mm, 7,64 +/- 1,6 mm y 23,0 +/- 1,6 mm, respectivamente, indicando mayor área de superficie de absorción. Se concluyó que los suplementos de ajo en concentración del 0,125 por ciento en la dieta de los pollos de engorde comerciales mejoró la ganancia de peso corporal y el ICA mediante el aumento de longitud y ancho de las vellosidades, junto a la profundidad de las criptas.

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RESUMO

Levamisole hydrochloride (Lev.HCl) has been acclaimed to boost immune response particularly in immunocompromised state. Its routine use as an immunomodulator in poultry production is yet to be well embraced, thus its effects of on cellular immunity and flock performance of commercial broilers were evaluated. One hundred and fifty Anak broiler chicks were separated into two groups of 75 each. Broilers in group 1 were sensitized with 150µg of Staphylococcus aureus antigen each at 4 and 5 weeks, while those in group 2 were not sensitized. Each group was further divided into subgroups A, B, and C. Levamisole hydrochloride (40 mg/kg) was administered orally to 1A and 2A at 45 and 46 days of age and to 1B and 2B at 47 and 48 days of age, while 1C and 2C were not treated. At 47 days of age, 12 broilers from all subgroups were challenged with 75µg of S. aureus antigen each at the right wattle. Wattle thickness was measured till 72 hours post challenge (pc) and delayed wattle reaction (DWR) was determined. Tissues were harvested at 72 hours pc for histopathology. Morbidity, mortality and live weights at 8 weeks of age were recorded. DWR peaked at 4 hours pc in 1A (2.22 ± 0.21 mm) and 1B (2.96 ± 0.21 mm) and 24 hours pc in 1C (3.39 ± 0.34 mm), the difference being significant (p<0.05). Inflammatory lesions were observed in wattles of sensitized subgroups and were more severe in 1C. Mortality rates were 4.17% and 29.17% in 1A and 1C respectively. Mean live weights in A and B i.e. 1.57± 0.06 kg and 1.56 ± 0.06 kg respectively, were significantly higher (p<0.0) than 1.43 ± 0.08 kg in C. Levamisole enhanced DTH via an early response, improved broiler liveability, and its anti-inflammatory property was confirmed.(AU)

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