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Efficacy of Neem Leaf Meal as a Hypocholesterolemic Dietary Additive in Laying Pullets

B Dey
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202;

SD Chowdhury
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202;

SM Bulbul
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202;

BLD Chowdhury
Department of Biochemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

An experiment was carried out with laying pullets to investigate the effects of feeding neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal (NLM) at different dietary concentrations on cholesterol metabolism and productivity of laying chickens. Forty, 26-week old laying pullets belonging to Shaver 579 strain was fed NLM for 12 weeks. Five dietary treatments, each of four replications, containing either 0, 5, 10, 15 or 20g NLM per kg were compared. The birds were reared in a pyramid-type laying cage. Blood and eggs were collected three times maintaining four weeks interval for the determination of cholesterol concentration respectively in serum and egg yolk. Eggs from birds laid after 6 weeks of feeding NLM were used for the determination of internal and external characteristics of eggs. Body weight gain, egg weight, total egg mass, FCR, survivability, and internal and external egg quality characteristics were studied. Use of NLM at 10 and 15 g/kg showed negative quadratic effect (P<0.01) on total lipids and yolk cholesterol after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of supplementation. Similar result was obtained for serum cholesterol (P<0.05) after 8 weeks of supplementation. Analysis of performance data showed no significant difference from control group except a linear decrease in feed consumption (P<0.01). A linear increase (P<0.05) in albumen index and a positive quadratic effect (P<0.01) on Haugh unit were also found. Based on the result, it may be concluded that NLM could be considered as a hypocholesterolemic dietary feed additive with dietary inclusion levels between 10 and 15 g/kg.

Keywords: Neem, Layer, Cholesterol, Additive, Pullet

Location:

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Chicken

Objectives:

To investigate the hypocholesterolemic effect of neem leaf meal and its effects on egg quality and laying performance.

Methodology:

The fresh green neem leaves were harvested from neem trees. The leaves were cleaned, made free of stems and sun-dried on a polyethylene sheet and stored in a polyethylene bag until used for diet formulation.Forty, 26-week old laying pullets of Shaver 579 strain were used to conduct the feeding trial. Chickens were almost similar with regard to body weight. The birds were reared in cages measuring 42×40×42 cm. Total duration of feeding trial was 12 weeks. Two birds were kept in each cage and considered as an experimental unit (replicate). Five dietary treatments, each of four replications, containing either 0, 5, 10, 15 or 20g NLM per kg feed were compared. Diets were identical in composition that met or exceeded the nutrient requirements of laying pullets and were prepared based on NRC feeding standards.The birds were exposed to almost similar care and management in all dietary groups throughout the experimental period. Egg production and feed consumption were recorded daily, while body weight was recorded twice in a month, initially and at the end of trial and egg weight was recorded weekly. Feed conversion ratio, body weight gain and livability were calculated. Eggs were collected once in every 4 weeks’ interval for cholesterol analysis. Eggs for the determination of internal and external quality characteristics were collected at 32 weeks of age and preserved at 4 to 80C until analysis were carried out.

Source of Information: Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2011. 40 (1-2): 13-17

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Use of NLM at 10 and 15 g/kg showed negative quadratic effect (P<0.01) on total lipids and yolk cholesterol after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of supplementation. Similar result was obtained for serum cholesterol (P<0.05) after 8 weeks of supplementation. Analysis of performance data showed no significant difference from control group except a linear decrease in feed consumption (P<0.01). A linear increase (P<0.05) in albumen index and a positive quadratic effect (P<0.01) on Haugh unit were also found. Based on the result, it may be concluded that NLM could be considered as a hypocholesterolemic dietary feed additive with dietary inclusion levels between 10 and 15 g/kg.

Knowledge Management: Journal