SUPPLEMENTATION OF NEEM AND NISHYINDA LEAVES AS GROWTH PROMOTERS IN QUAIL

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of nishyinda (Vitex nigundo) and neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves on growth performance and hematologic parameter in quail. A total of 40, 14th day old Japanese quail were randomly assigned into groups T0, T1, T2 and T3 and continued up to 42 days of age . Birds were reared in cage. The group T0 was kept as a control whereas group T1, T2 and T3 were fed 2% neem, 2% nishyinda and 2% (neem + nishyinda) respectively, with commercial diet. At 14 days of age the initial average live body weights of T0, T1, T2 and T3 were 25.33±0.88, 26.67±0.88, 25.67±0.33, 26.33±0.88 respectively. On the 42 days of age the final live weight of T0, T1, T2 and T3 were 117.33±0. 88,124.33±1.76, 121.33±1.20, 130.67±1.45 respectively. The highest body weight was obtained in T3 followed by T0 which differ significantly (P<0.01) from each other. The feed consumption was similar for all groups throughout the experimental period. Cumulative feed consumption for T0, T1, T2 and T3 were 430, 428, 425 and 435 gm respectively. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) for the T3 and T1 were from the control group which improved significantly were 4.17±0.09 and 4.38±0.05 respectively during 2 to 6 weeks of age. But no significant (P>0.05) difference among the mean value of hematologic parameters of quails. It is concluded that supplementation with 2% of combined (1%) neem and (1%) nishyinda leaves powder in diet in treatment group caused significant increase in live body weight and weekly weight gain, Feed Consumption and FCR as compared to that of control group of quail.