Abstract:
Studies on the anticoccidal activities of Adansonia digitata and Ficus exaspirata in broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella were investigated. One hundred and twenty (120) broiler chickens were brooded for 7 days. They were divided into four groups A, B, C, and D. Each group was sub divided into three replicates wherein each replicate contained ten broiler chickens, weight were respectively taken and recorded for each group on weekly basis. Birds were challenged per oral administration with 1ml of a mixed suspension of sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella. Ruffled feathers, reduction in water and feed intake were some of the symptoms observed during infection period. The comparative weight profile from week 1 to week 4 showed appreciable weight increase in each group of the chickens. Decrease in body weight was observed during the infection period. After two weeks post infection and treatment, there was low level of oocyst count in treatments 3, 4 and 5(673.33 ± 99.555, 426.67 ± 17.638 and 126.67 ± 17.638) in the groups infected and treated. Broiler chickens were sacrificed and dissected after two weeks post challenge and treatment. Blood samples were collected for haematology test. Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) were higher in the groups treated with Ficus 40ml/L and anticoccidial drug(embazin forte) than the group infected and not treated (negative control). The result of histopathology of caecum and duodenum indicated that there was little tissue damage to caecum of broiler chicken infected and treated with Adansonia digitata extract. Histopathology examination of caecum of broiler chickens infected and treated with Ficus exaspirata showed absence of oocyst infection but group treated with anticoccidial drug revealed less tissue damage while negative control showed necrotic and haemorrhagic lesion. Histopathological examination of duodenum of broiler chickens infected and treated with Adansonia digitata showed little tissue damage but the groups infected and treated with Ficus
exaspirata extract and standard coccidial drug showed no glaring tissue damage. The results of this research suggest that the extracts were relatively non toxic and effective against coccidial infection.
