Tropical animal health and production最新文献

{"title":"Seasonal modulation of progesterone receptor, PCNA, and enzyme activity in buffalo uterus: implications for endometrial growth during oestrous.","authors":"Sagarika Dehury, Varinder Uppal, Devendra Pathak, Anuradha Gupta","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04540-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04540-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Buffalo reproduction is influenced by seasonal variations. This study examined the key parameters affecting the uterine endometrial histoarchitecture during the follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle across summer and winter. The expression of progesterone receptor (PR) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), essential indicators for endometrial cell proliferation and differentiation, was examined. The uterine alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) and succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) activity demonstrated active protein transport and DNA turnover within the nucleus, reflecting a cellular functional state. Twenty-four (N = 24) samples were taken from healthy adults (2-6 years) cyclic nonpregnant Murrah buffalo. The samples were grouped into two categories (summer and winter) based on the season of collection, where N = 12. For each season, the samples were sub-grouped into two (N = 6), according to the cyclic phase of the animal which was determined by gross macroscopic observation of functional CL on the surface of the ovary. Immunohistochemical staining for PR and PCNA, histoenzymatic staining for AKPase and SDH, was performed on uterine samples. The immunostaining intensity was quantified by measuring the optical density (OD) value of the antigen-antibody reaction and by calculating the percentage of immunopositive cells. Histoenzymic localization of AKPase and SDH of the uterine samples were done. The findings indicated that the immunoreactivity for PR and PCNA and the histoenzymatic localisation of AKPase and SDH were more evident during the luteal phase than in the follicular phase. Nonetheless, these factors declined throughout the summer compared to the winter. The seasonal declines indicate that diminished endometrial function adversely affects buffalo reproduction, potentially leading to summer sterility.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"289"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combating ectoparasites in Togolese laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus): exploring diversity, prevalence and environmental determinant.","authors":"Guénnolé Vinakpon, Komi Agboka, Safiou Bienvenu Adehan, Serge Edgid Paulin Mensah, Kodjo Gnatepe Mlaga, Ahamidou Moustapha Issoufou, Essodina Talaki","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04518-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04518-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ectoparasites are pests that affect animals, particularly poultry. The presence of ectoparasites in birds affects their productivity and facilitates the transmission of pathogenic agents. This study aimed to explore the diversity of ectoparasites in laying hens, evaluate their prevalence, and analyse the environmental factors promoting the proliferation of ectoparasites. The study was conducted in three prefectures of the Maritime Region of Togo. A total of 576 Isa Brown laying hens were examined in three prefectures. This number was derived from ninety (90) Isa Brown layer farms equipped with an aviary. Each house contained an average of 500 laying hens. In each farm, the chosen house contained 26-week-old to 46-week-old birds selected at random, from which an average of 6 hens were chosen and examined. Ectoparasites were collected by freezing, direct ectoparasite sampling, leg scratching, and the weight of infested and non-infested birds. Ten (10) species of ectoparasites were identified, with an average infestation rate of 73.26%. The prevalence of acarid (59.54%) and louse (37.21%) parasitism was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than the prevalence of flea (03.25%) parasitism. The variation in the prevalence rate of each ectoparasite species was significantly (P < 0.0001) related to the locality. Dermanyssus gallinae and Menacanthus stamineus were the most prevalent species, with 100% and 70.23% prevalence rates, respectively. The length of time the litter remains in the house before being replaced during the laying season is the most important factor (P < 0.0001) favors the proliferation of ectoparasites. Laying hens are more infested by Dermanyssus gallinae and Menacanthus stamineus, and the duration of brood renewal is the most important factor in the proliferation of ectoparasites. Most ectoparasites proliferate when the temperature in poultry houses is above 28 °C and the humidity is above 47%. To effectively combat the adverse effects of these ectoparasites, research should focus on the vector-borne diseases they transmit to poultry.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"290"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498101","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and relative-risks of pasteurella in yaks of Xizang, China.","authors":"Hongcai Ma, Dongjing Wang, Fanxing Meng, Zhenjie Yuan, Chang Pan, Congming Zhao, Bin Shi, Jiangyong Zeng","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04477-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04477-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pasteurella multocida-induced hemorrhagic septicemia is an important bacterial disease of buffaloes and cattle, especially in resource-constrained and high-altitude regions. Although its economic and health implications are of vital interest, there has not been much studied about its occurrence among yaks. Pasteurella multocida, the pathogen causing hemorrhagic septicemia in cattle, was investigated in 922 yak serum samples collected from Lhasa, Nagqu, and Shigatse regions of Xizang from 2021 to 2024. Pasteurella antibodies were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and statistical analyses was performed using R software to assess association with factors such as age, gender, altitude, and feeding patterns. The overall seroprevalence was 15.71% (95% CI: 8.1-26.4), with yaks under three years at significantly higher risk (OR = 6.19, 95% CI: 1.80-28.40). These results highlight the need for improved disease management in calves and can inform prevention strategies in similar high-altitude livestock regions beyond Xizang. This study also emphasizes the need for targeted yak management strategies, including vaccination programs and improved nutritional support, especially for calves, to prevent the spread of Pasteurella infections. Implementing regular health monitoring and disease surveillance in yak populations will be essential for timely detection and effective control of outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"287"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inclusion of a microencapsulated pepper, cashew nut, and copaiba essential oils blend in broiler feed: evaluation of performance and nutrient metabolizability.","authors":"José Hernandes Marangoni Corrêa, Antonio Carlos de Laurentiz, Carla Caroline de Souza Furiozo Rondis, Rosemeire da Silva Filardi, Edilson Silva de Oliveira, Rosangela da Silva de Laurentiz","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04538-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04538-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study evaluated whether including pepper, cashew nut, and copaiba essential oils blend (EOB) in broiler feed positively influences performance and nutrient metabolizability. Birds of the Cobb® lineage were distributed in a completely randomized design in a factorial scheme (2 × 2 + 1), with five treatments: a control diet (Control) with antibiotic growth promoter (AGP); a diet without AGP with 300 g/t of EOB (EOB 300), a diet without AGP with 500 g/t of EOB (EOB 500), a diet with synergy between AGP and 300 g/t of EOB (Sy 300), and a diet with synergy between AGP and 500 g/t of EOB (Sy 500). The results indicated that the treatment with 300 g/t of EOB, with or without AGP, provided better feed conversion ratio and metabolizability coefficients of crude protein, ether extract, and ash. In conclusion, the phytogenic additive based on essential oils can be an alternative to replace antibiotic growth promoter, as its inclusion provides better zootechnical performance and nutrient metabolizability in broiler production.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"288"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12202596/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of IGFBP2 gene polymorphism and association of genotypes with performance traits in Large White Yorkshire pigs.","authors":"Rohit Solanki, S S Dhaka, Poonam Ratwan, Mohit Singh, Manoj Kumar","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04539-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04539-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pig promises distinct qualities like early maturity, high fecundity, produces piglets between eight to twelve in each farrowing and high feed conversion efficiency that make piggery a low-cost profitable enterprise. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity in Large White Yorkshire pigs based on variations in Insulin like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) gene which is involved in regulation of embryonic development and association of variants with economic traits. Blood samples were collected from 100 pigs and polymorphism was explored in IGFBP2 gene using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. A 245 bp fragment in intron 2 of IGFBP2 gene was amplified using PCR. Amplified PCR products of IGFBP2 gene were digested using MspI restriction enzymes. In this study, polymorphic patterns were revealed for the IGFBP2 gene. Two types of genotypes i.e. CC (55 and 190 bp) and CT (55, 190 and 245 bp) were observed for the targeted loci of intron 2 of IGFBP2 gene. The CC genotype was found to have higher genotype frequency as 0.88. Frequencies of 'C' and 'T' alleles were 0.94 and 0.06 in Large White Yorkshire pigs. Results of the Chi-square test showed that the targeted locus of IGFBP2 gene was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p < 0.05) in the screened pig population. CT genotyped pigs farrowed one more piglet than CC and litter weight at birth was also one kilogram more in CT as compared to the homozygous CC genotyped pigs. A total of 13 samples of intron 2 region of IGFBP2 gene were sequenced and on comparison of sequencing results with reference sequence of Duroc cross (BV727778), a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) i.e. T278C was found and there was change in nucleotide at one position i.e. A171G (Transition). In conclusion, CT genotypes of the IGFBP2 gene may be selected further for propagation through breeding programmes in Large White Yorkshire pigs for higher litter size and litter weight at birth.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"286"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-invasive heat stress assessment in Murrah buffalo, crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) cattle and Vechur cattle using inner canthus infrared thermography.","authors":"Arunasalam Singaravadivelan, Ambazamkandi Prasad, Chinnappan Balusami, Subramaniakaimal Harikumar, Vakayil Beena, Villan Lonappan Gleeja, Veerasamy Sejian, Periyasamy Vijayakumar, Patil Bakkesh Sachin","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04537-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04537-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heat stress is a critical challenge affecting livestock productivity and welfare, particularly in tropical climates. Infrared thermography (IRT) has emerged as a non-invasive tool for assessing physiological responses to heat stress. The study aimed to evaluate the heat stress responses in Murrah buffaloes, crossbred cattle, and Vechur cattle using inner canthus infrared thermography as a non-invasive tool under farm conditions in Kerala, India. The experiment was conducted at the Silent Valley Farm Platform, Kerala state, India during February-May 2023, a period of peak thermal stress for dairy animals. Eighteen calves (6-12 months old) were equally assigned to three groups representing each breed/species. Each group consisted of an equal number of male and female calves (three males and three females). Physiological responses (respiratory rate, heart rate using a polar monitor) were assessed in the morning (8:00 AM) and afternoon (2:00 PM). Surface temperatures of inner canthus were captured using an infrared camera (testo 865). The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in heart and respiratory rates between breeds, with crossbred calves exhibiting the highest respiration rate. Breed significantly impacted inner canthus temperatures, highlighting the varying influence of physiological and environmental factors on different breeds. Crossbred calves consistently exhibited the significantly (p < 0.001) highest inner canthus temperature compared to Murrah buffalo and Vechur cattle, both in the morning and afternoon. Murrah buffaloes showed intermediate temperatures, while Vechur cattle had the lowest inner canthus temperatures. The inner canthus surface temperature showed strong positive correlations with respiratory rate and thermal indices, including afternoon THI (r = 0.725, p < 0.001) and average daily THI, indicating its significant role as an indicator of heat stress in livestock. In conclusion, inner canthus infrared thermography effectively differentiated breed-specific thermal responses, supporting its utility as a reliable and non-invasive tool for assessing heat stress in tropical dairy production systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"285"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract on the growth, blood, and biochemistry parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).","authors":"Ramazan Esen, Mustafa Öz, Suat Dikel","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04536-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-025-04536-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, artichoke leaf extract (ALE) was added to the Nile tilapia diet at different ratios (0.00%, 1.00%, 2.00%, and 3.00%) for 30 days to investigate its effects on growth performance, hematological parameters, and blood biochemistry. A total of 240 fish with an average initial weight of 33.9 ± 1.14 g were used. The results showed that ALE supplementation significantly improved growth performance, with the best results observed at 2.00% inclusion (final weight: 58.01 ± 0.18 g, FCR: 1.48 ± 0.02, SGR: 1.79 ± 0.01) (p < 0.05). Hematological analysis revealed an increase in hemoglobin (Hb) levels (control: 9.18 ± 0.62 g/dL; 2.00% ALE: 12.83 ± 1.19 g/dL) and a decrease in white blood cell count (control: 3.54 ± 0.06 m/mm³; 2.00% ALE: 3.39 ± 0.07 m/mm³) (p < 0.05). Blood biochemistry results indicated a significant reduction in glucose (control: 73.67 ± 4.16 mg/dL; 2.00% ALE: 51.00 ± 2.00 mg/dL) and cholesterol levels (control: 227.67 ± 6.11 mg/dL; 2.00% ALE: 117.67 ± 3.21 mg/dL) (p < 0.05), suggesting improved metabolic balance. The findings indicate that 2.00% ALE supplementation enhances growth performance and may positively influence fish health by modulating blood parameters, making it a promising natural additive for sustainable aquaculture.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"284"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12187807/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Can early weaning in the previous lactation of beef cows affect the metabolism and postnatal development of female offspring?","authors":"Thiago Kan Nishimura, Matheus Sousa de Paula Carlis, Ana Clara Degan Matos, Isabella Rio Feltrin, Rodrigo Silva Goulart, Germán Darío Ramírez Zamudio, Saulo Luz Silva, Arlindo Saran Netto, Paulo Roberto Leme, Guilherme Pugliesi","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04535-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04535-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to compare the effects of early weaning (EW; 150 days) and conventional weaning (CW; 240 days) during early pregnancy on the postnatal metabolism, development, and productive performance of female calves born from secondiparous (SEC) and multiparous (MULT) cows. Fifty-five Nelore female calves were evaluated: 25 from EW cows (10 SEC, 15 MULT) and 30 from CW cows (15 SEC, 15 MULT). From 90 to 150 days of age, all calves received creep feed (5 g/kg body weight [BW]). After weaning, calves were maintained on pasture and supplemented with 10 g/kg of BW of concentrate until 16 months (mo) of age. From 12 to 16 mo, heifers were assessed every 28 ± 3 days for BW, body condition score (BCS), and average daily gain (ADG), which was calculated from serial weight records. Carcass traits (ribeye area [REA], backfat thickness [BFT], and rump fat thickness [RFT]) were measured via ultrasound. Blood samples were collected to determine serum concentration of IGF-I, leptin, and plasma glucose. At 5 and 14 mo, a subgroup of 22 heifers (n = 10 for EW and 12 for CW) was selected for liver biopsy to assess the gene expression of IGF-I, IGFBP, and GHR. No significant interactions were found between dam parity, weaning strategy, or time for BW, BCS, ADG, REA, serum IGF-I, leptin, and plasma concentration for glucose (P > 0.1). A significant effect of time (P < 0.05) indicated increased in BW, BCS, LMA, BFT, and RTF throughout the experimental period. Heifers from MULT cows were 2.67 kg heavier between 13 to 15 mo than those from SEC cows (P = 0.04). Dam parity also influenced BCS (P = 0.01), with MULT-derived heifers presenting higher BCS than those from SEC cows. For carcass traits, a significant dam parity x weaning interaction was observed for RTF (P = 0.04), indicating that EW-SEC heifers had lower rump fat deposition compared to EW-MULT and CW heifers. IGF-I gene expression was 1.4-fold greater (P = 0.01) at 5 mo compared 14 mo. For IGFBP, a dam parity × time interaction (P = 0.05) revealed that heifers from MULT cows had a 1.8-fold higher expression at 14 mo than at 5 mo. In conclusion, early weaning in the preceding lactation did not negatively affect the subsequent offspring's performance or metabolic profile, except for a reduction in rump fat thickness in EW-SEC heifers.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"283"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction to: Pistachio by‑product biochar as an antibiotic alternative: promoting growth and gut health in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica).","authors":"Omid Zahed, Reza Vakili, Amir Mokhtarpour","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04541-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04541-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"282"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144486008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Chaste tree (Vitex negundo) leaves as an antibiotic growth promoter alternative on growth performance, digestibility, carcass traits, immunity and antioxidant status of broiler birds.","authors":"Sheizal Minhas, Arun Sharma, Rajesh Chahota","doi":"10.1007/s11250-025-04533-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-025-04533-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in the poultry industry. This study was conducted with the aim to investigate the potential of Chaste tree leaves (CTL) as a herbal feed additive in comparison to dietary antibiotic, by studying its effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, immunity and antioxidant status in broiler chicken. A total of 350 1-day-old male Cobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 5 groups and 7 replicates, with 10 chicks per replicate. Control group (CN) was given basal diet; ZB group was given 0.05% Zinc bacitracin (ZB) added in the basal diet; groups CTL0.5, CTL1 and CTL2 were provided with Chaste tree leaves powder added in the basal diet at 0.5%, 1%, and 2% inclusion levels, respectively. The results revealed that the performance of CTL1 group was significantly (P < 0.05) better in terms of gain in weight (GIW), total breast yield, total antioxidant activity (FRAP), digestibility of Dry matter (DM) and Crude protein (CP) than other groups. CTL1 group showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement in FCR compared to control group. The feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced in treatment groups fed Chaste tree leaves powder (CTL0.5, CTL1 and CTL2) as compared to others. IgG levels were significantly (P < 0.05) improved in CTL0.5 and CTL1 compared to other groups. Overall, birds fed at 1% level showed greatest improvements in growth performance, feed conversion, immunity, and antioxidant status. In conclusion, Chaste tree (Vitex negundo) leaves can be added at 1% level in broiler diet for enhancing growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, immunity and antioxidant status in broilers.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"57 6","pages":"281"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144476878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}