Immunomodulatory Potential of Cajanus indicus Leaves Powder on Dietary Supplementation in Broiler Birds

The present study was conducted to evaluate the immuno-modulatory potential of Cajanus indicus leaves powder on dietary supplementation in broiler birds. Day-old broiler chicks of Vencobb strain (n = 36) were randomly assigned into 3 treatments with 3 replicates each, 4 chicks (2 each for cell mediated and humoral immune response) in each replicate. The dietary treatments composed of the basal diet in control group, 0.05% Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate added to the basal diet in standard group and 1.5% Cajanus indicus leaves powder added to the basal diet in test group. The HA titre (as measured against sheep RBC) was significantly (p<0.01) higher in birds of test group as compared to birds of control and standard group. There was significant (p<0.01) elevation of cell mediated immunity (CMI) in broiler birds of test group as compared to control and standard group when evaluated by DNFB skin contact sensitization test. The result indicated that ration supplemented with Cajanus indicus leaves powder @1.5% significantly improved cellular and humoral immune responses in broiler birds.