Experimental aflatoxicosis in commercial broilers and its amelioration by dietary Andrographis paniculata: A haemato-pathological study

The effects of dietary aflatoxin B₁ (300 ppb) in commercial broilers (n = 150) and its amelioration by using graded doses of Andrographis paniculata (AP; 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/kg) were studied for 6 weeks. The effects of toxin on feather, leg and toe haemorrhage scores, organ weight and haemato-biochemical parameters were noted. The aflatoxicosis significantly (P<0.05) affected the leg, feather and toe haemorrhage scores; dietary AP could completely restore the feather- and toe-scores but not the leg score. The relative weights of liver, gizzard, heart, giblet and proventriculus were significantly (P<0.05) increased during aflatoxicosis, however, the dietary AP could correct the problems, though partially. The relative weights of spleen, bursa of Fabricious, ready-to-cook carcass and serum level of glucose remained unchanged during aflatoxicosis. The serum protein, cholesterol, PCV and erythrocyte levels were decreased whereas, triglyceride level increased significantly (P<0.05) due to feeding of aflatoxin. However, addition of AP in the diet could partially alleviate these problems in a dose dependent manner. The activities serum enzymes, viz. glutamate pyruvate transaminase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly (P<0.05) increased in aflatoxicosis, nevertheless, AP showed ameliorating effects on these parameters, though partially.