Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnífera) supplementation in Salmonella gallinarum infected broilers

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder (@ 0.5 % of feed) on broiler chicks experimentally infected with Salmonella gallinarum. One day old, 160 boiler chicks were randomly divided into two groups (I and II) of 80 chicks each. Group II was supplemented with Ashwagandha root powder. After 7 days of age each group was further subdivided into two groups (I into A, B & II into C, D) of 40 chicks each. The chicks of group B and D were inoculated with 10⁷ CFU/ml dose of Salmonella gallinarum by subcutaneous route. Cell mediated immune response against DNCB antigen and specific antibody titre against Salmonella gallinarum measured by ELISA was significantly higher in group D as compared to group B. Percentage of pathological effects as evidenced by gross and histopathological lesion scores was higher in group B compared to group D. It is concluded that supplementation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder @ 0.5% of feed decreased the severity of Salmonella gallinarum infection in broilers.