The study was designed to checkthe effects of supplementation of C. roseus in various concentrations (0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2%) as an alternative to AGPs on various physiological indices of birdshealth. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been used in poultry farms as a drug resistance and drug residues. Now, there is a need to look for safe alternative for AGPs. Catharanthusroseushaving the properties of antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant and growth promoter.
Total 260 birds weretaken and divided into the 13 groups. Each group was further sub-divided into four replicates with 5 birds in each replicate. The birds were supplemented with basal diet (Group A) and all other groups were supplemented with diet of aqueous extract of Cathrathusroseus at the concentration of 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% in the Groups B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K,L and M for 35 days trial. During the trial period, the birds were vaccinated with Newcastle disease and Infectious Bursal Disease Vaccine (IBDV). Blood was also collected on day 35 to determine the concentration of various physiological indices.
Statistical analysis was conducted by using Statistical Packages For Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20 USA). To analyzed the data one way ANOVA was used.Post hoc test was carried out using tukey.
The results of glucose was found significantly higher (P<0.05) in group H compared to group K and M but similar to group B, C, D, E, F, G, I and J and M. The results of total cholesterol was found significantly higher (P<0.05) in group A, B, D, G, and I compared to group F and J but similar to group C, E, H, K, L and M.The serum Triglycerides concentrationwas no significantly (P<0.05) difference in all treatment groups compared to the control group.The serum ALT concentration was found significantly higher (P<0.05) in group F, G L and M than control group but similar in Groups B, C D E, H, I, J and K.The serum AST concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) in group K and significantly lower in Groups B,C,I,J,L,M but similar in Groups D,E,F,G,H,A .
It was concluded that Catharanthusroseus can be use as a cheaper, easiest and quickly available source as an alternative of antibiotic in the poultry.