TITLE:
Effects of Fresh Cupressus sempervirens Leaves Infusion on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters in Broilers
AUTHORS:
Donfack Mikael, Noumbissi Marie Noël Bertine, Ciemeni Michelle Aimee, Tindo Tsamene Romario, Evelyn Ngwa Bih, Djamen Tchantchou Chamberlin, Nyembo Kondo Camile, Tsafong Jeatsa Franklain, Necdem Tsafack Boris, Kana Jean Raphaël
KEYWORDS:
Broilers, Cupressus sempervirens, Growth Performance, Haemato-Biochemical Parameters, Intestinal Microbiota
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.14 No.2,
March
28,
2024
ABSTRACT: The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic
residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry
farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study
was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using
fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested,
washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three
days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained
was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water.
The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control
ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g
antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period,
water intake increased significantly (P 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL
cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other
treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and
HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load
increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased
significantly (P Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to
antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.