In vivo effect of Berberis lyceum and Silybum marianum on production performance and immune status of broiler chickens

Abstract. We conducted an in vivo experiment to study the effect of water-based infusion of Berberis lyceum and Silybum marianum on production performance and immune level of broiler chicks. A total of 120 day old broiler chicks was obtained from the same parent flock, and divided into four experimental groups i.e., WBI-0 (control), WBI-5 (5 ml/l), WBI-10 (10 ml/l) and WBI-20 (20 ml/l). Each group was further divided into three replicates with 10 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design. The birds were reared in separate pens for 35 days in an open sided house. Low feed intake (P > 0.05) but higher weight gain (P < 0.05), dressing percentage (P > 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05) were observed in group WBI-20. High level of antibody titre was also observed in group WBI-20 against the Newcastle and infectious bronchitis antigen, while significantly high (P < 0.05) antibody titre against infectious bursal disease was recorded in WBI-10. Based on the experimental findings, it was concluded that water based infusion of 20 ml/l resulted as a valuable source to enhance production traits and to boost up immunity in broilers.