Effect of herbal detoxicants and liver stimulant on the performance of broiler chickens

A study was undertaken to study the effects of aflatoxin (B₁), Toxiroak and Livfit Vet concentrate in commercial broiler chicks. Two hundred forty day old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of the eight dietary treatments with three replicates of ten chicks each. Control diet (D₁) contained basal feed whereas. 200 ppb aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) was added to diets from D₂ to D₈. In addition, Toxiroak (750 and 1250 g/tonne offed) and Livfet Vet concentrate (250 and 500 g/tonne of feed) were added to diets D₃ to D₈ alone and in combinations. It was observed that significantly higher and maximum 6-week body weight gain of 1467.26 g was obtained on the diet D₇ containing AFB, 200 ppb + Toxiroak (1250 g) + Livfit Vet concentrate (750 g) as compared to control diet D₁ (1325.56 g). Lowest weight gain of(1212.88 g) was obtained on diet D₂ containing AFB₁ (200 ppb) only. There were marginal differences in feed consumption among various dietary groups. There were no significant differences in the FCR. Maximum mortality (23.33%) occurred on diet D₂ containing AFB₁ (200 ppb) only whereas no mortality occurred on diets D₁ (control) and D₄ containing AFB₁ (200 ppb) + Toxiroak (250 g). There were also non-significant differences in the dressed and eviscerated yields and weight of liver, heart, kidney, spleen and bursa. Crude protein and energy retention were found significantly higher (79.44; 82.02%) on diet D₇ as compared to diet D₂ (69.08; 73.22%). No aflatoxin residue was found in the liver tissues of any dietary group. In excreta, maximum aflatoxin residue (6.01; 6.15 ppb) was found on diet D₂ at 4 and 6-weeks of age, no residue was found on control diet where as moderate amounts of residue (3.82; 4.00ppb) was detected on diet D₇. It may be concluded from the present study that supplementation of Toxiroak and Livfit Vet concentrate alone or in combination improved growth and reduced mortality in broiler chickens by better protein and energy utilization and limiting the adverse effects of aflatoxins.