Effect of papaya and neem seeds on Ascaridia galli infection in broiler chicken

Experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy of ethanolic extract of papaya (Carica papaya) and neem (Azadirachta indica) plant seeds on Ascaridia galli infectivity in broiler chicken. A total of eighteen broiler birds were randomly selected that were divided into three groups (A, B and C) with 6 birds in each group. The birds were then artificially infected with Ascaridia galli @ 2000 eggs/bird. Ethanolic extracts of papaya and neem were applied to Group B and C, respectively while Group A was left untreated that served as control. The fecal egg count (FEC) was conducted on weekly basis. The pre-treatment values of FEC in all three groups found negative from day 0 to 14 after artificially inducing infection. On day 21, the FEC pretreatment values in group A, B and C were recorded as 1424.5, 1346.3 and 1806.4, respectively. The FEC post treatment values of groups B and C were significantly (P>0.05) decreased as compared to the control (group A). However, no significant difference was observed between group B and C. It was concluded that the ethanolic extract of both the papaya and neem was effective in controlling the Ascaridia galli infection in chicken. However, papaya extract was found more effective than neem.