Vol. 7, Issue 3 (2018)

Author(s):
K Prashanth Kumar, V Ravinder Reddy and M Gnana Prakash

Abstract:
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract (PPE) on serum biochemistry and immunity of broiler chicken reared during summer. The average minimum and maximum room temperatures recorded from 0-42 day were 36.8 ^oC±0.25-39.7 ^oC±0.25, respectively, with relative humidity ranging from 47-74%. Day old (n=160) broiler chicks were randomised to 4 dietary treatment groups containing eight replicates with five chicks each and are kept in a closed, ventilated, wire-floor battery caged broiler house under uniform conditions of temperature, humidity, and ventilation. The experimental treatment groups were: 1. Positive control (PC)-Corn soya based diet supplemented with Vit-E 70mg/kg + Selenium 0.15 mg/kg, 2. Negative control (NC)-Corn soya based diet without any antioxidant, 3. PPE50-Corn soya based diet supplemented with 50 mg PPE extract/kg, 4. PPE100-Corn soya based diet supplemented with 100mg PPE extract/kg diet. Inclusion of PPE at 50 mg/kg diet and 100 mg/kg diet decreased (P<0.05) the serum cholesterol levels, whereas serum protein levels were unaffected (P>0.05) by supplementation of PPE. Antibody titer levels in response to New castle disease vaccine and cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity (CBH) were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by supplementation of PPE in broiler diets.