Effects of Mangifera indica (Mango) Leaf Powder on Growth Characteristics, Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Toxicity in Gallus gallus Domesticus (Brahma) Hens

Chongsi Mary Momo, Metchi Mireille, Blandine Kambou, Tchoffo Hervé, Vemo Narcisse, Fonou Lavoisier, Dongmo Arius Baulland, Djuissi Motchewo and Ngoula Ferdinand

Background and Objective: Due to undesirable consequences of synthetic antibiotics in animal farming and ban on their use, it is imperative to find readily available alternatives that are accessible and non-harmful to the environment. This study aimed to evaluate growth performance, biomarkers of oxidative stress and toxicity in Brahma hens fed Mangifera indica (mango) leaf powder. Materials and Methods: A total of 48 Brahma hens, (45 days old), with an average weight of 400 g were divided into 4 groups of 12, according to their body weights. Hens in group 1 (control) were fed a diet without mango leaves powder ad libitum throughout the experiment, while hens in groups 1, 2 and 3 received a control diet supplemented with 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75% M. indica leaves powder, respectively. Results: The addition of M. indica leaves powder to diet did not significantly increase (p>0.05) feed intake, weight gain and mean daily gain compared to control birds. Meanwhile, hens fed the diet containing mango leaf powder had significantly (p<0.05) higher live body weight compared to the control group. Relative liver weight and abdominal fat weights were significantly (p<0.05) lower in mango leaf powder-fed birds compared to controls while the liver size difference was not significant. Only superoxide dismutase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared to control. Conclusion: Mangifera indica leaf powder can be used to improve the growth of Brahma hens, especially the diet supplemented with 0.5% showed the best growth rate.

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