Vol. 12, Special Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Ankit Sharma, Anil Kumar, RK Sharma, Brijesh Singh, BC Mondal, Om Prakash, Sumit Gangwar, Anupam Kumar Azad, Kalicharan Nayal and Shashikant

Abstract:
Due to the high cost of animal feeds, researchers are concentrating their efforts on unconventional feed sources. A total of 72 female Uttara chicks were distributed into six groups, each of which had three replicates with four chicks each. Birds were fed T₀ (control diet), T₁ (Basal diet + 1% Arjuna bark powder + 1% Sahjan leaf powder), T₂ (Basal diet + 1% Arjuna + 2% Sahjan), T₃ (Basal diet + 1% Arjuna + 3% Sahjan), T₄ (Basal diet + 1% Arjuna + 4% Sahjan) and T₅ (Basal diet + 1% Arjuna + 5% Sahjan). At 20 and 52 weeks, Hb and PCV were significantly greater (p<0.05) in the T₁, T₂ and T₃. Six laying hens from each treatment were randomly chosen at the 20 and 52 week and blood was collected.At 52 weeks, the T₁, T₂, T₃ groups had significantly increased TEC, MCH, and MCHC values (p<0.05). TLC and MCV readings did not differ significantly at 20 and 52 weeks of age. In T₃, T₂ and T₁, there were substantial reduction (p<0.01) in serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and atherogenic index. At 20 and 52 weeks, HDL-cholesterol, total protein, albumin, and the A/G ratio were greater (p<0.01) in T₃ and T₂. However, uric acid levels in T₃, T₂ and T₁ at 52 weeks were considerably low (p<0.01). No discernible variation in globulin. Therefore, it can be concluded that chicken can be supplemented with Arjuna bark at 1% and Sahjan leaf powder at 3% for improved health without experiencing any negative effects.