Hematological and Growth Performance Studies after Withania Somnifera Supplementation in Broilers

Abstract

This research was made to study the influence of addition of powdered root of Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)on general health condition (growth performance) as well as hematological profile of broiler chicks. A 100 broiler chicks at first day after hatching were obtained from Wadi Company, Egypt, and were distributed at random into four equal groups. The first group received control ration only and kept as control group (Gr 1), the 2nd (Gr 2) ,3rd (Gr 3) and 4th (Gr 4) groups received control ration + 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% Withania somnifera root powder respectively for 42 days. Body weights, body weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were recorded on regular basis and hematological profile of the birds was estimated at the end of the 4th and 6th weeks of the research. Results showed that body weight and weight gain were significantly increased (P<0.05) in Gr2 and Gr3. While Gr4 showed non-significant changes in comparison with control group.Feed intake and feed efficiency were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in Gr2 and Gr3. While Gr4 showed non-significant changes in comparison with control group. Hematological results showed significant (P<0.05) rise in RBCs, PCV as well as Hb concentration in Gr2 and Gr3. While Gr4 showed non-significant changes in comparison with control group. Regarding toMCV (fl), MCH (pg) and MCHC (%)there were non-significant changes in all groups supplemented by Withania somnifera powdered root 0.5, 1 and 1.5% in comparison with control group. There were significant increase (P<0.05) in total leukocytic count and absolute numbers of lymphocytes in Gr2 and Gr3 over control group. These results indicate that addition of 0.5 and 1% Withania somnifera powdered root significantly enhanced general health condition (growth performance) as well as hematological profile of broiler chicks.