Efficacy of Phytobiotics of Achyranthes splendens (Linn) against Bacterial Pathogens of Male Broiler Chickens in Namakkal, India

Abstract

Published by Madridge Publishers Abstract Phytogenic alternatives drawn a lot of attention because they are natural, non-toxic and residue free. “Phytogenic Alternatives” are the buzz word in livestock field to avoid the use of the antibiotics and chemical growth hormones resulting in health concerns. In the present study Achyranthes splendens (Linn) a medicinal plant was selected for its phytogenic property against bacterial pathogens of broiler chickens. Effect of selected antibiotics of poultry and leaf extract powder of Achyranthes splendens L., against the poultry pathogens were tested. Collection of pathogens on swab from the intestine on 7, 14 and 21 days was done asceptically and cultured in the lab as a pretreatment study. The results of pretreatment study showed that there is positive trend of pathogenic control by Achyrabiotic from 86.7% to 100% when compared to the antibiotics. Efficacy of achyrabiotic in antibacterial assay revealed the phytobiotic nature of the Achyranthes splendens L. Based on the protein profile of Achyranthes splendens (Linn) by High performance Liquid Chromatography study, the phytogenic characteristics were used for the growth study of broiler chicks. Leaf extract in the form of dry powder was used in the formulations of phytogenic poultry feed. There is no mortality in the organic achyrabiot fed male broiler chicks. Growth performance parameters such as body weight gain (from 24% to 32%), feed intake (2% to 21%) and Feed conversion ratio (from 26% to 58%) revealed the synergistic effect of phytobiotic and anti-pathogenic properties of achyrabiot on poultry growth.