EFFECT OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Phyllanthus amarus LEAVES ON CONTROL OF COCCIDIOSIS IN BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Methanolic Extract of Phyllanthus amarus Leaves (MEPAL) in the control of coccidiosis in broiler chickens. The objectives were to examine the presence of coccida oocyst in the faecal samples of broiler birds treated with MEPAL and find out the effects of MEPAL on the blood profile of Eimeriainfected broiler chickens. A total of 150-day-old chicks were randomly allotted into 5 treatments and 3 replicates (10 birds each) in a completely randomized design experiment. The birds were fed ad libitum without coccidiostat. When they started showing clinical signs of coccidiosis at three weeks of age, they were treated with varying dosages of MEPAL for seven consecutive days. T1 received 5 ml, T2 received 10 ml, T3 received 15 ml, T4 were treated with Embazin-Forte while T5 did not receive any treatment (control). Results showed that 10 ml dosage of MEPAL significantly (P < 0.05) reduced coccidia oocyst counts (insert value) across 7- day post-medication period, showing similar effectiveness to the commercial anticoccidial drug EmbazinForte. Haematological investigation indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) in packed cell volume (insert value) and monocyte levels (insert value) across the treatment groups. Moreover, the serum biochemistry analysis revealed that broiler chickens treated with 15 ml of MEPAL had the highest (P < 0.05) creatinine levels (3.00 mg/dL), while those treated with 5 ml MEPAL had the lowest (1.33 mg/dL). It was concluded that 10 ml MEPAL may be optimal for the control of coccidiosis comparable to commercial Embazin-Forte.