Antioxidant effect of selected edible plant extracts on performance of broiler performamnce of broilers
Date
2012
Authors
Phiri, Mwape Thomas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
Edible plants contain biologically active compounds that have antioxidant capacity; these
biologically active compounds are distributed in leaves, roots stems and fruits. Among other uses
of biologically active compounds, they have been used in broiler production for improving
weight gain and for their medicinal properties. The experiment aimed at evaluating the effect of
antioxidant properties of selected edible plants on performance of broilers. Seven edible plants
(Bidenspilosa, Ficussycomorus, Cleomegynandra, Solanumaethiopicum, Hibiscus meeiusei ,
Opuntia vulgaris and Piliostigmathonningii) that are also used as medicinal plants were
selected, of which three plants were used in broiler trials (Cobb 500) after screening for total
antioxidant capacity. The experiment was conducted at the University of Zambia, School of
Agricultural Sciences over a period of six weeks.
The experiment was done in a completely randomized block design with 7 treatments. Six
treatments were Ficussycomorus, Cleomegynandra andOpuntia vulgaris plant parts preserved in
each of alcohol and vinegar. The control had no plant extract. There were three replications of
each treatment. Differential white blood cell count was done on blood collected at 43 days of
age.
No significant differences (p<0.05) were found among the treatments for mean live weight, feed
consumption and feed conversion ratio at 43 days of age. Significant differences (p<0.05) were
found in heterophil levels but not basophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes.
Description
Student Project Report
Keywords
Poultry Industry-Zambia , Chickens-Feeds and feeding , Broiler(Chickens)