Vol. 12, Issue 3 (2023)

Author(s):
Sarita, Srinivas Reddy Bellur, Shrikanth Kulkarni, Ravikanth, Vittal, Vidyasagar, Kiran M and Gangadhar Kapase

Abstract:
An experiment was carried out to assess the effect of Ashwagandha and Citrus bioflavonoids as feed additives on haematological profile in broiler. A total of Eighty (80)-day old broiler chicks (Vencobb-400) were reared commonly and given similar managemental inputs during acclimatization period of two weeks. On 15^th day birds were divided randomly and equally into four groups. Control (Group-I) basal diet. For the supplement groups basal diet was supplemented with ashwagandha extract @ 1000 mg/kg diet (Group-II), citrus bioflavonoids @ 1000 mg/kg of diet (Group-III) and ashwagandha extract @ 500 mg/kg + citrus bioflavonoids @ 500 mg/kg of diet as combination group (Group-IV) was fed from 15^th day onwards up to 35 days of age. Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals till the end of experiment. Hematological parameters were measured manually as per standard protocol. Although numerically higher TEC, PCV were noted but the differences were found to be non-significant. Significantly (p˂0.05) higher Hb concentration were noted in ashwagandha supplemented groups (Group II and IV). Significant (p˂0.05) improvements in TLC levels were noted in Group III and IV during last week of study. Significantly (p˂0.05) lower heterophil (%) and lower H:L ratios were noted in group II, III and IV. The results suggested that the supplementation of ashwagandha and citrus bioflavonoids supplementation alone and in combination in the diet of broilers has positive influences on all haematological parameters and rather has shown noticeable improvement in Hb content and lymphoproliferative property in broilers.