Evaluation of Morinda citrifolia (Noni), Azolla pinnata and Andrographis panniculata (Kalmegh) as herbal tonics in Indigenous Nicobari Fowl

Abstract

A study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Andrographis panniculata (Kealmegh), Morinda citrifolia and Azolla pinnata on serum biochemical parameters in Nicobari fowl. Experiment I comprised of treatments with supplementation of Morinda juice in water @ 5 ml per bird per day, Azolla dry powder in feed@3 g per bird per day and Growiplex ( Vitamin B complex tonic) in water in comparison with control birds. The SGOT (Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) level was significantly (P< 0.01) higher with supplementation of Morinda juice as water supplement@5 ml per bird per day. Significantly (P<0.0l) higber level of total serum bilirubin was observed in Morinda juice, Azolla and Groviplex supplementation. All herbal supplementation groups had significantly (P<0.01) reduced the serum cholesterol level by 13% as compared to control group. Herbal supplementation did not have significant effect on the serum glucose. In the experiment lI with Kalmegh, both water and feed supplement had significantly (P<0.01) lowest serum cholesterol (reduction of 23% and 26% respectively) on seventh day of supplementation as compared to control birds. The SGOT was significantly (P<0.01) reduced by 15% on third day supplementation of kalmegh in water. Serum glucose was significantly reduced on fifth day of supplementation of kalmegh as both feed and water supplement and it was sustained till seventh day of supplementation. The bilirubin level was significantly (P<0.01) reduced by 16% on fifth and seventh day of supplementation in both water and feed. Supplementation of Andrographispanniculataas water supplement in Nicobari fowl significantly increased the levels of haematinic mineral iron and immunity enhancing minerals.