Efficacy of Shear Butter (Butryospermum Parkii) – Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Leaf Meal Mixture on Performance and Carcass Characteristics, Immune Response and Blood Parameters in Broiler Chickens

Shear tree, a member of the family Sapotaceae, is native to Africa. The tree is found in semi arid areas north of the humid forest zone and it can attain a height of 15 to22m and the trunk diameter varies from 0.5 – 1m (Fernande et al, 2014), Bark conspicuously thick, corky, horizontally and longitudinally deeply fissured; protects older trees against bush fires. It has an extensive root system which is essential for its survival in the 5-7-month dry seasons of savannah climates.

According to FAO (1988) the leaves of shear butter are used as medicine to treat stomach ache in children and its fruit contains protein at 0.7-1.3g, carbohydrate 41.3g -100g, iron 1.90-100g, calcium 34.4mg -100g and ascorbic acid 196.1mg -100g respectively. Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, as well as catechins, plant antioxidants also found in green tea (Masters, 2004). Ayeh (1981) also reported that Shea butter is extracted from the nuts and are increasingly used for livestock and poultry feed, leaves and young sprouts serve as forage while small ruminants such as sheep and goats eat the sugary pulp of ripe fruit that has fallen to the ground. Studies have shown that the extract from the leaves is used to relieve headaches and eye bath (Taiwo, 2009; Abbiwo, 1990 and MaKeish. N. Dennie, 2012).

Shea butter possesses a significantly greater non-saponifiable fraction than most other nut oils and fats, which lends the substance greater healing potential for the skin (Maranz et al, 2004).

Azadirachta indica belongs to the family meliaceae is a tropical evergreen tree widely distributed in Asia, Australia, Africa and other parts of the world (Girish and Shankara, 2008; Sombatsiri et al, 1995). A. indica performs several functions such as antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-ulcer, antioxidant and used in the treatment of the parasitic infections (Subapriya and Nagini, 2005; Biswas et al, 2002). Pharmacological studies on the bark and leaves of the plants shows display effective antimicrobial activity ( Chattopadhyay, 1996), the leaves have also been found to contain little amount of proteins and minerals (Ogbuewu et al, 2011).

Previous reports have shown that Neem leaf meal exerts a positive effect on growth performance of rabbits (Ugigwe et al, 2016) and blood profile of finisher broilers ( Jahanzeb et al, 2012; Obikaonu et al, 2014). Furthermore, scientific studies revealed that shea butter leaves contain B vitamins and sugar (Abidemi, 2009) and also perform multiple biological activities (Akihisa, 2010). Although extensive studies have been carried out on the neem and shear butter leaf meal in animals, yet there is a dearth of information on the combination of both leaf meals in broilers as the synesgistic combination could act as a natural detoxifier and colon cleanser thereby aiding nutrient absorption in the body of animals.

Therefore this study was carried out to investigate the growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune response and some blood parameters of broilers fed diets supplemented with Shear butter – neem leaf meal mixture.

The experiment was carried out at the Poultry unit of Dan- malafia Farms, Oyo State, Nigeria.

One –day old 120 broilers (Arbo acre) were obtained from a commercial hatchery in Ibadan. The chicks were reared in group and feed for one week before the start of the experiment on a commercial starter feed (adaptation period). At the end of the adaptation period, all chicks were weighed and assigned into four (4) dietary treatment groups; each group was further divided into three replicates each of ten (10) chicks in a completely randomized design (CRD). A deep litter poultry house was used; the house was cleaned and well disinfected before the commencement of the experiment. Vaccines were administered according to the prevailing vaccination schedule in the environment. Feed and water were offered ad-libitum. The light was continuous throughout the experimental period, the performance of the birds in terms of feed intake and mortality were recorded throughout the period of the experiment which lasted for 42 days.

Fresh shea butter leaves were collected within the farm premises and washed. It was later spread on a concrete floor for 6 days to dry. The dried leaves from the strands are removed and ground with a hammer mill and stored in a container.

Fresh leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem) were harvested from matured neem plants within the farm premises and spread out evenly to dry under sunlight for 7 days untill the leaves became crispy to torch. The dried leaves were milled to produce neem leaf meal. The shear butter powder and neem leaf meal were mixed together in ratio of 1:1 respectively to form shear butter-neem leaf meal mixture (SBMM). SBMM were mixed with other ingredients to form (4) experimental diets:

All basal diet was formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of broiler chicks according to NRC (1994).

The initial body weight was recorded at the beginning of the experiment and weekly thereafter, total feed and water consumption, mortality was recorded daily throughout the experimental period.

At the 7th week of the experiment, blood samples were collected from the brachial vein of four randomly selected birds per treatment. The blood samples were analyzed for some hematological and serum biochemical parameters; blood samples for hematology were collected into bottles containing Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate (EDTA). The hematological parameters such as Pack cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell (RBC), White blood cell (WBC), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and absolute counts of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils were computed according to the method of Jain (1986).

Blood samples that were meant for serum biochemistry were collected into other bottles free from any anticoagulant. The serum total protein, Albumin and Globulin were computed according to (Doumas and Briggs, 1972), Glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), Glutamic phosphatase transaminase (SGPT) was determined according to Scott (1965).

At the end of the seventh week, five birds were randomly selected per treatment; they were fasted overnight and given only water, weighed and slaughtered. After evisceration, the organs were removed and weighed. The carcass weight, dress weight, weight of the visceral organs and other parts of the birds were also recorded.

Birds were orally vaccinated against Gumboro virus (on the 11th and 20th days) and Newcastle disease (on the 9th and 16th days). Four (4) birds were randomly selected per replicate to access the antibody response to Newcastle and gumboro virus on the 28th and 42nd day of the experiment. Blood samples were collected from the branchial vein of the vaccinated birds and sent to the laboratory for further analysis. Antibody titers against Newcastle and Gumboro viruses were measured using Hemaaglutination Inhibition Test.

Cost analysis of each diet fed to the experimental birds was calculated. The cost of per kg of ingredient was used to multiply the total feed intake per bird to obtain the total cost of feed consumed during the experimental period.

The proximate components of Tridax procumbens meal (Powder) and samples of the four experimental diets were determined by method of A.O.A.C (1990).

All data collected were subjected to one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) by Steel and Torrie (1980). Significant means separated by Duncan multiple range test (Duncan, 1955).

Table 1 and 2 shows the proximate analysis of Shear butter leaf meal and Neem leaf meal respectively. The values obtained for shear butter leaf meal are 10.54%, 5.40%, 6.96%, 10.40% and 66.74% for crude protein, ether extract, total ash, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract respectively while those of neem leaf are 17.84%, 2.40%, 5.06%, 15.70% and 59.00% for crude protein, ether extract, total ash, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract. Table 3 and 4 reveals the proximate composition of experimental diets. The proximate components reveal that the crude protein of broiler starter mash ranges between 23.09-23.19% while those of broiler finisher are between 20.09-20.10 all values obtain fall within the range recommended by NRC (1994) for birds.

Table 1: Proximate Composition of Shear butter leaf meal

Table 2: Proximate Composition of Neem leaf meal

Table 3: Composition of experimental (Broiler starter) diets (%)

Table 4: Composition of experimental (Broiler finisher) diets (%)

The growth performances as influenced by the treatments are presented in Table 5. The average final weight ranges between 2004.1-2089.3g. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the treatments in terms of the live weight. The average feed intake values obtained are 3180.7, 3105.0, 3130.8 and 3102.4 (g/bird) for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively while those of the total weight gain are 1985.3, 1987.2, 1901.4 and 1901.9 (g/bird) for diets 1, 2, 3 and 4. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) values obtained are 1.52, 1.49, 1.56 and 1.55 for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively while those of daily water intake are 25.0, 25.2, 25.6 and 25.8 liters/day for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4. The average feed intake, feed intake, total weight gain, feed conversion ratio and daily water intake were not significantly affected (P>0.05) by the dietary inclusion of SBMM, the daily water consumption gradually increased from treatment 1 to 4. Table 6 reveals the values of the hematological parameters investigated; the pack cell volume (PCV) values obtained are 38.40, 38.19, 38.09 and 39.71% for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively while those of hemoglobin (Hb)values obtained are 15.60, 15.71, 15.69 and 15.09 g/dl for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4. The Red blood cell (RBC) are 2.00, 2.03, 2.06 and 2.10 (10)6mm for diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively while those of White blood cell (WBC) are 12.07, 11.88, 11.68 and 11.41 (10)6mm for diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The pack cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the dietary treatments. The neutrophil values obtained are 70.11, 70.81, 70.60 and 70.34 % for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively while those of monocytes values are 3.11, 3.10, 3.01 and 3.09 % for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4. The lymphocytes values obtained are 49.97, 49.59, 49.51 and 49.57% for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively while those of eosinophils values are 4.11, 4.01, 4.03 and 4.08% for diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. White blood cell, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by different inclusion of SSMM.

Table 5: Effect of different levels of SBMM on the performance of broilers

Table 6: Effect of feeding different levels of SBMM on haematological parameters of broilers

The serum biochemical parameters as influenced by the diets are presented on Table 7. The albumin values obtained are 1.50, 1.50, 1.55 and 1.49 g/dl for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively while those of globulin values are 1.20, 1.10, 1.20 and 1.20 g/dl for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4. The total protein values obtained are 2.70, 2.60, 2.75 and 2.69 g/dl for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Albumin, globulin and total protein were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by different inclusion of SSMM. The SGPT values obtained are 18.78, 18.51, 18.02 and 18.61 iu/l for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 while those of SGOT are 91.06, 91.89, 91.01 and 91.66 iu/l for diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

Table 7: Serum biochemical indices of broilers fed different levels of SSMM

The carcass characteristics and the relative organ weights of broilers fed different levels SSMM is presented in Table 8. The relative weights of the head, neck, thigh, shanks, liver, pancreas, gizzard, proventriculus and intestine fed SSMM were not significantly (P>0.05) different from the control diets. The dressing percentage values obtained are 73.68%, 73.69%, 72.56% and 72.58% for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively.

Table 8: Carcass characteristics and relative organ weights of broilers fed SSMM

The immune response parameters as influenced by the diet are presented in Table 9. On the 28th day, Newcastle disease ( log 2) titers obtained are 2.60, 2.54, 2.49 and 2.51 for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively while those of Gumboro (log 2) are 3.11, 3.17, 3.06 and 3.13 for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The values obtained for N.D titers on the 45th day are 5.17, 5.07, 5.21 and 5.11 (log 2) for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively while those of IBD are 4.40, 4.31, 4.22 and 4.27 for diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The values of the antibody titer production for both N.D and IBD were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by different inclusion of SSMM.

Table 9. Effect of different level of SSBM on the immune response of broilers

Figure 3. The effect of dietary inclusion of shear butter –neem leaf mixture (SBMM) on the initial weight, final weight and feed intake of broilers chicks for 42 days.

The proximate values of Shear butter and Neem leaf meal agree with the findings of Abidemi et al (2009) and Obikaonu et al (2014) but contrary to the reports of Oforjindu (2006) and Esonu et al (2006). The crude protein values in treatments 1 to 4 did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the final weight of the birds, which implies that the protein level is enough to support the growth of the animals. According to NRC (1994) feeds containing 22-23% and 20-21% crude protein have been reported to be suitable for broilers at starter and finishing phase. The highest feed intake was recorded in broilers fed diet 1, followed by diet 3, 2 and 4 respectively across the experimental period (7 weeks), however, there was no significant (P>0.05) differences in the final live weight of the birds. Broilers in treatment 4 had the highest weight gain followed by diet 3, 1 and 2 respectively, the result obtained agrees with the reports of Naderi et al (2014) and Imasuen et al (2014) when broilers were fed diets supplemented with turmeric and pumpkin leaf respectively. Birds fed diet 1 had the highest mortality of 2, followed by diets 2 and 4 respectively. No mortality was recorded in birds fed treatment 3, this report affirms the earlier observation of Tollba and Hassan (2003) when broilers were fed diets supplemented with Nigella sativa or garlic under high temperature conditions.

The non significant (P>0.05) differences in the values obtained for daily water intake and feed cost per kilogram across the treatment groups agree with the findings of Ojabo et al (2012) when rabbits were fed sweet orange peels, the water intake is a clear indication that the intestinal walls of the birds are well protected.

Haematological studies represent a useful process in the diagnosis of diseases as well as investigation of the extent of damage to blood (Isaac et al, 2013); animals with good blood composition reflect good performance (Bamishaiye et al, 2009). Parameters like Hb value, WBC, RBC among others are used in routine screening for the health and physiological status of livestock (Aro et al, 2013).

There was no significant (P>0.05) differences in the haematological parameters investigated, it shows that the animals were well nourished. The experimental diet contains enough protein, energy and minerals, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the animal’s body. The values for all the parameters fall within the normal range values established for birds by Ibrahim Albokhadaim (2012); Obikaonu et al (2014). According to Ologun and Ikeobi (2006) RBC serves as a carrier of haemoglobin, transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body (Isaac et al, 2013), PCV is involved in the transport of oxygen and absorbed nutrients (Maton et al, 1993). Hemoglobin plays a vital role in oxygen transportation to tissues of animals (Soetan et al, 2013). Adeyinka and Bello (2013) reported that WBC and its differentials fight infections and produce antibodies to protect the body.

The total protein, albumin and globulin of the broilers used in this experiment were not affected (P>0.05) by the inclusion of SSMM. Albumin content in the blood are easily influenced by protein shortage, the results obtained is an indication that the experimental diets contained enough protein to support the normal protein reserves across the group. The values for all the parameters fall within the normal range values established for birds by Ibrahim Albokhadaim (2012).

The values obtained for SGPT and SGOT were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the treatment. According to Iyayi (1994) SGPT and SGOT values usually respond to the presence of toxic substances in the diet. The result obtained is contrary to the report of Alagbe, J. O (2016) on the effect of heavy metals contamination on the performance and blood profile of broiler chicks.

SSMM inclusion did not significantly (P>0.05) affect the carcass and organ weight of the birds, this results obtained in this experiment is in agreement with the reports of Bolu et al (2009) when dried pawpaw seeds were fed to broiler chickens. According to Madhusadha et al (1986) antinutrients are causes of internal organs enlargement in birds, the significant differences in the carcass characteristics could also be attributed to the quality of diet in each treatment.

The values of the antibody titer production for both ND and IBD were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the different supplementation of SSMM, this report agrees with the findings of Nouzarian et al (2011) on the effect of turmeric on the immune response, performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens.

The growth, carcass characteristics, blood profile and immune parameters measured showed significant no differences. It could, therefore, be concluded that SSMM could be efficiently utilized and tolerated by broiler chickens up to 0.3% inclusion level without any negative effect on the performance and health status of broiler chickens.

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