Indian Journal of Poultry Science

A study was conducted for six weeks to assess the effect of herbal and synthetic vitamin C supplementation on performance of broilers under intense summer condition. Three hundred and fifteen day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into seven groups of three replications each. The control group was fed with basal diet formulated as per BIS specifications. Six different diets were prepared on addition of 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg synthetic vitamin C and 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg herbal vitamin c through “Amla” (Emblica officinalis) to the basal ration. The body weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher and better FCR, DM digestibility and nitrogen retention in broilers fed with 200 mg/kg herbal vitamin C. The haematological study revealed significant (P<0.01) rise in Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC, lymphocytes and significantly decreased neutrophills in vitamin C supplemented groups as compared to control. The biochemical study revealed significant (P<0.01) increase in total serum protein and serum potassium, where as significant decrease was reported in blood glucose, cholesterol, total lipid and serum sodium in vitamin C supplemented groups. The immunological studies revealed significantly higher HI titre in vitamin C supplemented groups. The carcass study revealed non significant variation except the significant (P<0.01) reduction in abdominal fat percentage due to supplementation of herbal vitamin C. Histopathologically lymphoid cell population was more in herbal vitamin c group indicating positive immune response as compared to synthetic group. It was concluded that the feeding of synthetic and herbal vitamin C has beneficial effects on body weight of broilers, however feeding of herbal vitamin C was found to be more effective, it also improves haemobiochemical and immune status of broilers.