Aloe vera and Azadirachta indica (Neem) as antibiotic replacers and immune enhancers in brooding management of Nicobari Fowl

Abstract

,1 and 4zadirehia mulica (Necm) were explored as antibiolic (Oxytetracyclin) replacers and immune enhancers during pre starter age (0-2 wecks) m indigenous Nicobari fowl. A total of 192 day oid Nicohari chicks were randomly assigned to one ol tour herbal waler treatments viz., Tl: Control with regular antihiotic supplerment T: 3 ml lo juice per ehick per day; 15: 3 mi Neem exlract per chick per day: T4: 1.5 ml Aloe and i.5 ml neem ner chick per dav. Growth performance and imnunity ol NICobari fowl were evaluated. Higher body weight and feed comersion eficiency were observed during the period of supplementation. The improved antihody titre was seen in treated groups till 3rd week of post-inoculation as compared to control. Aloe vera and Neem couid be potent altematives to antibiotic growth promoters during brooding period of birds. Further, the feeding of neem leaves and aloe to immune-suppressed birds could ncrease their humoral responses in field condition.