Neem Leaf Meal Research Articles

Performance and carcass characteristics of Isa Brown cockerels fed graded levels of dried neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf and bark meal

Performance and carcass characteristics of Isa Brown cockerels fed graded levels of dried neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf and bark meal

Antiviral efficacies of neem (Azadirachta indica J.) and scent (Ocimum sanctum L.) leaf meals against Newcastle and infectious bursal disease in broiler chickens

The effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) and scent (Ocimum santum) leaf meals fed singly or in combination on the growth response, haemato-biochemical parameters and their antiviral potencies in broiler chickens were investigated. Two hundred 1-day old Ross 308 unsexed broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 5 treatments, consisting of 5 replicates with 8 birds each. Treatments 1 and 2 were basal diets with no leaf meals, treatments 3, 4 and 5 had the basal diets plus 3% neem leaf meal (NLM), 3% scent leaf meal (SLM) and the blend of 2% NLM + 2% SLM, respectively. Birds in treatments 2-5 were unvaccinated against Newcastle disease and Infectious bursal disease while birds in treatment 1 were vaccinated. On days 21 and 42, blood samples were randomly collected from 2 birds per replicate for haemato-biochemical assay, haemagglutination inhibition and agar gel precipitation tests. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and ANOVA at p<0.05. At the starter phase, an improved feed conversion ratio (p<0.05) was recorded in birds fed the blend at the starter (1.83) and finisher (1.92) phases and the overall performance (1.88) compared to other treatment groups. The least platelet counts (11.08 ×104/µL) were recorded in birds placed on the blend of 2% neem leaf meal + 2% scent leaf meal while the 3% scent leaf meal group recorded the lowest lymphocyte counts (53.60%). At the finisher phase, lymphocyte counts of birds that received the blend of 2% neem leaf meal + 2% scent leaf meal (63.00%) were higher than the other treatments. In conclusion, birds fed diets supplemented with 3% neem and 3% scent leaf meals singly had haemagglutination inhibition titre values and conferred immunity above the protective threshold against Newcastle disease and produced antibodies against Infectious bursal disease. Birds fed the blend of 2% neem + 2% scent leaf meal diets had improved overall performance.

Combined Effect of Methionine, Lysine and Neem Leaf Meal Supplementation on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters and Oxidative Status of Finishing Broilers

Combined Effect of Methionine, Lysine and Neem Leaf Meal Supplementation on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters and Oxidative Status of Finishing Broilers

Effects of substitution of antibiotics with medicinal plant leaf meals on egg-laying performance and egg qualities

One hundred and forty-four (144) Isa brown laying hens, were used in a one hundred- and twenty-days (120) feeding study to evaluate the effects of substitution of antibiotics with selected medicinal plant leaf meal on their production indices. The study consists of eight treatment groups designated as T1 to T8. T1 was the control, T2 (5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal), T3 (5% Neem leaf meal) T4 (5% Spondias mombin leaf meal), T5 (2.5% combination each of moringa and Neem leaf meal), T6 (2.5% combination each of Moringa and Spondias mombin leaf meal) T7 (2.5% combination each of Neem and Spondias mombin leaf meal), and T8 (1.66% each of Moringa, Neem and Spondias mombin leaf meal) respectively. Productive performance indices such as the number of eggs laid, egg weight, hen house average, feed intake, internal and external egg parameter and biochemical parameters were evaluated for the laying hens. Data collected were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance using SPSS,22. Mean separation was done using the least significant difference. The result of the experiment showed that T8 and T5 had the highest (P<0.05) average number of eggs laid monthly. The weight of eggs laid was highest for T2; while T4, T6 and T7 had the lowest average weight of eggs laid. Egg shape index and shell thickness (P>0.05) did not differ. However, albumen weight, albumen height, yolk weight, yolk height and yolk diameter all differed significantly (P<0.05). The work therefore, recommends that medicinal plant leaf meal can be used in place of antibiotics growth promoters as they positively affect the number of eggs laid, egg weight.

11. Reproductive characteristics, haematological, and serum biochemical indices of West African Dwarf Does fed Neem Leaf Meal

11. Reproductive characteristics, haematological, and serum biochemical indices of West African Dwarf Does fed Neem Leaf Meal

Variations in haematological and serum indices of finishing broiler birds fed neem (Azadirachta indica) and garlic (Allium sativum) as phytobiotics

One hundred and eighty day-old Cobb broiler chickens were used to evaluate the effects of feeding diets containing neem leaf meal (NLM), garlic meal (GM) and their combination (NLM + GM) on haematological and serum indices of finishing broiler. The birds were divided into twelve treatment groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diets contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion; Omg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg. The experiment was arranged in a 3 x 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design (CRD). The inclusion of NLM, GM and NLM + GM did not significantly (P>0.05) influence haematological parameters. Different levels of inclusion significantly (P<0.05) influenced absolute haematological parameters. (P<0.05) interaction of additives and levels of inclusion were observed in most of the haematological indices studied. NLM+GM at 500mg/kg showed the highest PCV value. Highest Hb and RBC values were observed in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg. Different levels of inclusion significantly (P<0.05) influenced total protein and albumin levels. Lowest (P<0.05) amounts of total protein (8.88mg/dl) and albumin (2.20mg/dl) were recorded in birds fed 1500mg/kg inclusion levels compared to those birds on Omg/kg inclusion level..Additives and levels of inclusion (P<0.05) affected cholesterol value of finishing broiler birds. There was a reduction in cholesterol (93.38mg/dl) and HDL (52.57mg/dl) values of birds fed GM than these fed NLM + GM. Significant (P<0.05) interactions were observed in alanine aminotransferase (ALI), urea, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) values. It was evident that feeding of the additives at different levels affected the blood picture of the finishing broiler chickens.

Blood chemistry and relative organ weights of rabbits fed neem leaf meal based diets

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of neem leaf meal (NLM) based diets on blood and relative organ weight characteristics of rabbits. In the first experiment, 36 rabbit bucks aged 7 to 8 months were distributed into four dietary groups, T1, T2, T3 and T4 of 9 rabbits using completely randomized design. Each group was replicated 3 times with 3 rabbits per replicate. Rabbits in T1 group were fed diet that contained 0% NLM while those in T2 T3 and T4 groups were fed diets that contained NLM at 5%, 10% and 15%, respectively for 112 days. In the second experiment, 36 rabbit does were used and experimental procedures were laid out as described in experiment 1. Blood samples for analysis, live weight and organ weights were collected from each replicate and data obtained analysed statistically. Higher (p<0.05) kidney weight was obtained for rabbit does on diets T 2 T 3 and T4. Bucks on diet T2, recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher pancreas weight than those on diet T1 diet. No significant effect (p>0.05) on haematological parameters was observed among all treatments except for MCV and neutrophils which were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the groups fed diets T2 and T4 and diets T1 and T3 groups respectively than others. Rabbit bucks and does on diet I, recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher serum cholesterol values than those on the other diets. Serum glucose value of rabbits on diet T, was significantly (p<0.05) different from those on the other diets. Serum ALP value of rabbits on diet T4 differed significantly (p<0.05) from those on the other 3 diets with the exception of bucks on diet T4 that had similar value with those on diet T1. Addition of neem leaf meal in rabbit diets increased serum AST and ALT values but the differences were not significant (p>0.05). It was therefore concluded that up to 5% of neem leaf meal can be included in the diet of pubertal rabbits without any deleterious effects on their organs and blood characteristics.

Effect of dietary supplementation of neem leaf meal and citric acid on growth performance and cost economics of broiler chickens

Effect of dietary supplementation of neem leaf meal and citric acid on growth performance and cost economics of broiler chickens

Performance, organ growth and economics of finisher broiler fed neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal as replacement for maize

A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal on the performance, organ growth and economics of finishing broilers. The harvested neem leaves were chopped and air dried under room temperature for ten days until they became crispy while retaining the greenish colouration. The dry leaves were hammer milled with 2mm sieve to produce leaf meal before being incorporated into broiler finisher diets. Four isonitrogenous finisher diets were formulated; containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% levels of neem leaf meal (NLM) as partial replacement for maize in the diets. A total of one hundred and eight (108) 4- week old birds were randomly selected, weighed and assigned to the four treatments in a complete randomised design. The four treatments were replicated three times with nine (9) birds per replicate. The birds were fed ad libitum with their respective diets and freely supplied with water. Results showed that the neem leaf levels significantly (P<0.05) affected all the performance indicators. Birds on 5% NLM had similar average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) with birds on 0% neem leaf meal (control) but significantly (P<0.05) superior to birds on 10% and 15% neem leaf meal levels. On the relative organ weight, except for the heart, all the organs were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the varying levels of neem leaf meal. The g/kgbody weight of the heart reduces as the level of NLM increases; with 15% NLM having the least heart weight (7.50±0.47g/kgbody weight). The cost analysis of replacing maize with neem leaf meal in the broiler finisher diets revealed that 15% level yielded least cost of feed consumed per bird (? 178.69), cost of feed consumed per kg body weight per day (? 6.38) and cost of feed per kg weight (? 55.84). It is concluded that 5% replacement level of maize will enhance optimum performance and organ growth while 10% NLM brings about the optimum cost benefit in feeding finisher broilers with neem leaf meal.

Haematological and biochemical parameters of Kano brown bucks fed graded levels of potash treated neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal-based diets

The haematological and serum profile of Kano brown bucks fed neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal was investigated for 63 days. Twelve growing Kano Brown bucks were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with three animals per treatments in a completely randomized block design. Treatment A was the control diet without neem leaf meal while treatments B, C and D had 10%, 20% and 30% potash-treated neem leaf inclusion levels respectively. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment for analysis of haematology and biochemical parameters. The mean value of packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell counts and white blood cell counts were significantly (p>0.05) different across all treatments. The mean and standard deviation were 29.00, 90.10; 10.06, 0.39; 9.50, 0.55; 10.5, 1.11; 30.20, 0.08; 10.41, 0.85 and 33.02, 0.45 for PCV, Hg, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC respectively. Mean corpuscular volume was significantly (p<0.05) higher for animals fed 10% inclusion of the tested material ranging from (25.50 - 36.00 fl). Eosinophils, monocytes and basophils were not significantly different across alltreatments while, lymphocytes and neutrophils were statistically significant (p<0.05) across all treatments with mean values of 43.29% and 56.75% respectively. The serum sodium ranged from (145.00 - 150.00 mmol/L), potassium ranged from (4.975 - 5.150 mmol/L) across all treatments. The creatinine value ranged from (85.50 - 103.5 mmol/L) total protein, albumin and globulin showed significant (p<0.05) difference across all treatments. The standard deviation was 0.003, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.18 respectively. Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alanine Aminotransferase and Alkaline Phosphatase were significantly (p<0.05) different across all treatments. The study revealed that potash-treated neem leaf meal could be used as feed for small ruminants, without any deleterious effect on performance and blood profile. It is concluded that dietary inclusion of potash treated neem leaf meal at 10 and 20% improved haemoglobin, packed cell volume and white blood cell counts.

Pre and post-gestation blood indices of rabbit does fed graded levels of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of neem leaf meal on the blood status of rabbit does before and after gestation. Atotal of twenty-four (24) rabbit does of mixed breeds, with initial average live weight of 1975g were randomly allocated into four (4) experimental dietary treatments; each of which was replicated three (3) times with two (2) rabbits per replicate. The rabbits were fed diets containing 0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal. Parameters measured included packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin, red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and its differentials for haematology while total protein, globulin, albumin, cholesterol, alkaline phosphate (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured for biochemical indices. All data generated were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. The findings from this study at pre-gestation showed that neem leaf meal (NLM) significantly (p<0.05) influenced basophil and serum total protein, globulin and glucose. Basophil was significantly reduced in rabbits fed 5.0% NLM (0.33%) while the serum components were affected in rabbits fed 2.5% NLM. The result at post-gestation showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in all the parameters measured exceptneutrophils. Neutrophils were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in rabbits on the control diet (26.67%) while rabbits on NLM diets recorded similar values. From the serum component, cholesterol was significantly (p<0.05) highest in rabbits fed 5.0% NLM (62.33mg/dL) and lowest in those fed 2.5% NLM (49.67mg/dL). It was, therefore, concluded that inclusion of NLM in rabbit does' diet up to 7.5% had no adverse effect on the health status of the animals as the values obtained for neutrophils and cholesterol were still within the normal range of rabbit blood profile.

Gestational and reproductive performance of rabbit does fed diets containing neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal

Gestational and reproductive performance of rabbit does fed diets containing neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal

Efecto de la harina de hoja de neem sobre las características de la canal y la calidad de la carne de los pollos de engorde

Se llevó a cabo un estudio para evaluar el efecto fitobiótico de la hoja de neem sobre la calidad de la canal, la composición química, la refrigeración y las pérdidas de peso de cocción de la carne de pechuga de pollo de engorde alimentado con niveles variables de inclusión de hoja de neem (Azadirachta indica) (NLM) a 0, 0,5, 1,0 y 1,5% niveles de inclusión para reemplazar los despojos de trigo w /w. Ciento noventa y dos aves se dividieron en cuatro tratamientos que consistían en tres réplicas y cada una de las tres réplicas que consisten en 18 aves. Las aves fueron alimentadas ad libitum durante 8 semanas. Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos a un análisis unidireccional de la varianza a un nivel significativo del 95%. El resultado en el peso en canal de pollo de engorde alimentado en diferentes niveles de harina de hoja de neem no mostró diferencias significativas (P>0.05) en todos los parámetros. Las pérdidas de peso de refrigeración y cocción, el análisis sensorial (color, jugosidad, sabor de carne, ternura, sabor, salinidad, sabor general y aceptabilidad general) no fueron influenciados por NLM. El contenido de humedad y cenizas fueron los parámetros que fueron significativamente (P

Anthelmintic Potency of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Meal on West African Dwarf (WAD) Sheep

A 90-day study was conducted to determine the response of semi intensively managed West African dwarf sheep to concentrate supplement containing varying levels of neem leaf meal (NLM). Twenty (20) West African Dwarf sheep aged 5 to 6 months with an average weight of 10kg were used in a Completely Randomized Design with animals grouped into four treatments of five replicates each balanced for weight. The animals were allowed to graze on natural pastures predominantly made up of Panicum maximum in the morning with a daily supplementation of 100g concentrate diet containing varying levels of neem leaf meal at 0, 5, 10 and 15%. Blood samples were taken from the animals before the commencement of the experiment and at the end of the experiment. At the start of the experiment, faecal samples were collected from each animal to determine the faecal egg count and this was repeated once in three weeks for the 90 day experimental period. There was significant (P < 0.05) difference in the haematology indices studied with no definate pattern. The inclusion of NLM in the diets of West African Dwarf sheep significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the faecal egg counts across the treatments with a percentage reduction range of 33.38 to 88.00% for sheep on 0% and 5% NLM, respectively. This study, however, concluded that neem leaf inclusion at 5% in West African dwarf sheep’s diet had effects on the overall performance of the animals with a potential improvement in drastic reduction in faecal egg counts.

Utilization of Neem Leaf Meal: Effect on growth response, haematology and serum biochemistry of rabbit does

This study determined the effect of Neem Leaf Meal (NLM) based - diets on growth response, haematological and serum biochemical indices of female rabbits (does). Twenty four (24) weaned rabbits (5 - 6 weeks old with average body weight of 600 ±1.05g) were used. The NLM was included in the diets at 0, 5, 10, and 15% levels as treatments TI , T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The rabbits were divided into four groups of six (6) each and randomly assigned to experimental diets using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Water was provided ad libitum and the rabbits were housed in disinfected wooden hutches for 56 days. Data on growth response, haematological and serum biochemical indices were collected and analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that the growth performance parameters showed significant (P<0.05) differences between dietary treatments with progressive decrease in values as the levels of NLM inclusion increased across the diets. The final weight gain ranged between 860 and 970 g/rabbit. The total weight gain was between 310 and 380 g/rabbit, total feed intake ranged between 2150 and 2221 g/rabbit while FCR ranged between 5.84 and 6.94. Growth parameters beyond 10% inclusion level were least compared with values in the control diet. The haematological indices showed that all parameters were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatments and within the normal ranges for apparently healthy rabbits. The serum biochemical indices were within normal ranges but not significantly affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. The study concluded that 10% NLM can be included in the diets meant for rabbits without fear of compromising growth performance and blood characteristics.Key words: Neem, female rabbit, growth, blood indices

Soil Nitrogen Contents as Affected by Composts Enriched with Organic Nitrogen Sources

Information is scanty on the potentials of agricultural wastes to enrich composts whose low nitrogen (N) content limits their use in organic farming. This study involved enriching composts - cow dung + sawdust (CDSD) and poultry droppings + sawdust (PDSD) with N from bone, blood, hoof and horn meals; and neem leaf and tithonia leaf meals and their incubation in the soil for 16 weeks. Cow dung and sawdust (CDSD), poultry manure and sawdust (PMSD) in 1:1 ratios were composted in separate heaps and samples taken for nutrient analysis at 2 and 22 weeks of composting. The composts were enriched with Bone, Blood, Hoof and Horn of cattle; Neem leaf and Tithonia leaf meals to obtain the following: CDSD + bone (CDSDBN), CDSD + blood (CDSDBM), CDSD + hoof (CDSDHM), CDSD + horn (CDSDHN), CDSD + neem (CDSDNM) and CDSD + tithonia (CDSDTM); PMSD + bone (PMSDBN), PMSD + blood (PMSDBM), PMSD + hoof (PMSDHM), PMSD + horn (PMSDHN), PMSD + neem (PMSDNM) and PMSD + tithonia (PMSDTM). The enrichment was madeto attain 100, 200, 300 and 500g kg-1 N. Each treatment at 30 t ha-1 was incubated for sixteen weeks to monitor the nutrient release at four-week intervals. Total N contents monitored at four-week intervals of incubation showed enrichment in 74.0 and 83.0% of CDSD and PDSD compared to the respective controls. N contents were highest in 21, 0, 1 and 28 composts incubated for 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks respectively. At 4 weeks, CDSD enriched to 500 g kg-1 N from blood meal (CDSDBM) and bone meal (CDSDBN) contained 10.5 and 9.2 gkg-1 total N while PDSD enriched to 50 g kg-1 N from bone meal (PDSDBN) and tithonia leaf meal (PDSDTM) contained 9.3 and 8.6 g kg-1 total N. These are suitable for the cultivation of short-season leaf vegetables. N content reduced at 8 weeks of incubation and increased at 12 and 16 weeks. Only CDSD enriched with neem leaf meal (CDSDNM at all N rates) showed increase in N content with time of incubation. CDSDNM and PDSDBM at 50 g kg-1 N contained the highest total N at 16 weeks of incubation and should be recommended for the cultivation of long-season vegetables.

Dietary Inclusion of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Meal Can Influence Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Dietary Inclusion of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Meal Can Influence Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Efficacy of Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica) Meal as an Alternative to Antibiotic in Broiler Ration

Efficacy of Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica) Meal as an Alternative to Antibiotic in Broiler Ration

Efficacy of Shear Butter (Butryospermum parkii) – Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Meal Mixture on Performance and Carcass Characteristics, Immune Response and Blood Parameters in Broiler Chickens

Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences publish articles related to agricultural sciences. Greener Journal of Agricultural sciences publishes articles related to Agricultural Sciences

EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL NEEM (Azadirachta indica) AND GARLIC (Allium sativum) ON GROWTH AND CARCASS YIELD OF FINISHING BROILER

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM + GM) on growth performance and carcass yield of finishing broiler. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Additives and levels of inclusion had no significant (P>0.05) influence on performance parameters except feed intake which was influenced (p<0.05) by NLM + GM and 1000mg/kg levels of inclusion. Final live weight (2516.67g/bird), weight gain (1742.00g/bird), daily weight gain (62.2g/bird/day) and feed conversion ratio (2.32) were improved (p<0.05) at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion of NLM + GM. Thigh (11.68%), wings (8.44), neck (4.23%) and gizzard (2.13%) of birds fed GM were improved (P<0.05) than those of NLM. Carcass weight was influenced (p<0.05) by additives at various inclusion levels with wings (9.01%), head (3.39%), neck (4.52%), shanks (4.49%) and gizzard (2.42%) highest (p<0.05) in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion than those of 0mg/kg levels of inclusion. It was concluded that the use of NLM + GM as additives yielded commendable result on performance and carcass weight of finishing broiler birds This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM + GM) on growth performance and carcass yield of finishing broiler. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. Additives and levels of inclusion had no significant (P>0.05) influence on performance parameters except feed intake which was influenced (p<0.05) by NLM + GM and 1000mg/kg levels of inclusion. Final live weight (2516.67g/bird), weight gain (1742.00g/bird), daily weight gain (62.2g/bird/day) and feed conversion ratio (2.32) were improved (p<0.05) at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion of NLM + GM. Thigh (11.68%), wings (8.44), neck (4.23%) and gizzard (2.13%) of birds fed GM were improved (P<0.05) than those of NLM. Carcass weight was influenced (p<0.05) by additives at various inclusion levels with wings (9.01%), head (3.39%), neck (4.52%), shanks (4.49%) and gizzard (2.42%) highest (p<0.05) in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion than those of 0mg/kg levels of inclusion. It was concluded that the useof NLM + GM as additives yielded commendable result on performance and carcass weight of finishing broiler birds Keywords: Neem, garlic, broilers, performance, carcass characteristics.