Effects of <i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i> bark extracts on performance, histology and serum biochemistry of <i>Aspergillus</i>-challenged broiler chicks

Abstract

A study was conducted on the antifungal properties of extracts of Vitellaria paradoxa bark on the performance of broiler chicks. The treatments were five levels of V. paradoxa bark extracts viz: non-challenged birds; birds challenged administered with antifungal agent; birds challenged without intervention; and challenged birds given 5, and 10mg/ml V. paradoxa bark extract. Feed intake was significantly (p>0.05) depressed due to infection by A. flavus. Birds given the positive control diet had the highest feed intake (510.0g/bird) while the birds on the negative control had the lowest feed intake. Feed intake for birds given V. paradoxa extract however, was dose related. At 10mg/ml, feed intake was similar to the values of birds fed the antifungal agent. Weight gain, protein and fat retention followed a similar trend as the feed intake. Broilers given positive control had significantly (p>0.05) highest weight gain (216g/bird). Relative weights of specific organs of broilers given the various treatments suggest that aflatoxicosis affects both the liver and the lungs. Birds given the negative controls had inflamed hepatocytes and deranged ileal mucosa. These histological effects were masked in birds given the synthetic antifungal agent as well as extracts of V. paradoxa bark (especially at 10mg/ml). The various treatments influenced only the serum protein. This study shows that bark extract of V. paradoxa exhibits potent antifungal properties comparable to the standard antifungal agent used. It is recommended that extract of V. paradoxa be applied to chicken production at 10mg/ml as an antifungal agent, especially against A. flavus infection.Keywords: Aflatoxicosis; Antifungal; Broiler chicks; Histology; Performance