Effects of Papaya Leaf (Carica papaya) and Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) as an Alternative to Antibiotics on Production Index and Hematological Indicators of Broiler Chicken

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of dietary supplements of papaya leaf meal (Carica papaya) and black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds on the production index and hematological status of commercial broiler chicken. T1 (Control), T2 (antibiotic), T3 (2% PLM: Papaya Leaf Meal), T4 (1% BCS: Black Cumin Seed) and T5 (1% of each PLM & BCS) were the five treatment groups that the 150day-old Cobb 500 straight run chicks were randomly assigned. Ten chicks were used in each of the three

replications of each treatment. The findings demonstrated that feeding broilers supplements of PLM and

BCS

did not significantly (p>0.05) affect feed consumption (FC) (g), final live weight (g) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) when compared to the control and antibiotic group. FC was found to be numerically (p>0.05) higher in the control group than in the other groups. However, the T3 group of birds given 2% PLM had superior ultimate live weight and an improved FCR value compared to antibiotic, control, and the values of the other groups, which were statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The relative weight of the spleen in various groups was unaffected (p>0.05) by dietary supplementation with PLM and BCS. But the T3 (2% PLM) group had significantly (p<0.05) increased bursa weight (g). The concentrations of glucose and cholesterol were similar across all groups (p>0.05), while the group receiving 2% PLM supplements had relatively lower cholesterol levels (mg/dl). Moreover, the supplemented groups with PLM and BCS revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in the hematological parameters red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, and packed cell volume (PCV) as compared to the antibiotic and control groups. The final live weight, FCR, immune organ weight, and blood indices were all improved in birds fed a meal supplemented with 2% PLM, leading to superior results.