In vitro Antioxidant Potential and In vivo Effects of Diet Supplemented with Balanites aegyptiaca on Growth, Biochemical Parameters and Liveability of Heat-Stressed Broilers

Tadondjou d’Alex, Touwang Charles, Tamwo Franklin, Ledang Narcisse, Ngoula Ferdinand and Teguia Alexis

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Balanites aegyptiaca leaves (BAL) and seeds (BAS) as a feed additive on growth, biochemical parameters and mortality of broilers during hot fattening periods. Materials and Methods: A total of 214 one-day old Cobb 500 broiler chicks (42±3.6 g) were acclimatized for 14 days. At fifteen days of age, 200 chicks (327.92±48.83 g) were randomly allocated to four different treatments with 5 replicates each (50 chicks/treatment). The four experimental groups were as follows: Group 1 (control) received basal diet and water without additives; Group 2 received basal diet and drinking water supplemented with ASPRO-C Plus (1g/L); Group 3 received basal diet supplemented with 1% of BAL, Group 4 received basal diet supplemented with 2% of BAL. Results: As compared to the seeds, the leaves showed higher content (p<0.05) of polyphenols but lower values (p<0.05) of saponins. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity of the BAL was higher (p<0.05) than that of the seeds. Broilers treated with BAL showed significantly higher (p<0.05) serum content of alpha-amylase and lower (p<0.01) mortality. The diet supplemented with 1% BAL significantly increased (p<0.05) the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activities in the liver. Conclusion: It can be concluded that diet supplemented with 1% Balanites aegyptiaca leaves improved the antioxidant status of the liver and liveability of broilers during hot fattening periods.

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