Respuesta de crecimiento, desarrollo de órganos e índices sanguíneos de pollitas en crecimiento con extractos acuosos de Petiveria alliacea

A total of 288 eight-weeks-old Isa brown pullets arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial experimental layout were used to evaluate the growth response, organ development, haematology and serum biochemistry of growing pullets administered aqueous extract of Petiveria alliacea. After balancing for weight the birds were allotted into 8 treatments comprising pullets administered aqueous root extract at 4 concentrations (0, 15, 30 and 45 ɡ/l) and aqueous leaf extract at 4 concentrations (0, 15, 30 and 45 ɡ/l). Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 12 birds per replicate. Phytochemical analysis showed that Alkaloid, Phenolics, Antioxidant, Tannin, Phytate, Steroid, Anthraquinone and Oxalate concentrations were higher (P 0.05) was recorded for growth performance of the growing pullets. Highest (P<0.05) weight for small intestine was recorded in control treatment (3.29%). Highest (P<0.05) caeca weight was recorded in birds maintained on 45 ɡ/l concentration of leaf extract (0.89%). Birds administered 30 ɡ/l leaf extract had the highest (P<0.05) proventriculus weight (0.56%). Birds maintained on 15 and 30 ɡ/l root extract had higher (P<0.05) values for Red blood cell count compared to other treatments. Highest (P<0.05) white blood cell count was recorded at 45 ɡ/l concentration of root extract. Highest (P<0.05) serum total protein was recorded in birds administered 45 ɡ/l leaf extract (6.00 ɡ/dl). Serum uric acid and cholesterol reduced to the lowest (P<0.05) in birds administered 45 ɡ/l root extract. The study concluded that administration of aqueous extract of Petiveria alliacea root at 45 g/l concentration best improved health status of growing pullets without impairing growth.