Proximate composition and antimicrobial effect of Ocimum gratissimum on broiler gut microflora

The poultry industry is challenged by microbial infections, but the use of antibiotic growth promoters is restricted in many countries. This study is designed to assess the use of Ocimum gratissimum for the control of pathogenic gut microflora (E. coli and Salmonella sp). One hundred day old (ANAK 2000) commercial broilers were purchased and used for the experiment. The birds were brooded for seven days before random distribution to their respective treatments and replicates. Aqueous Ocimum gratissimum (0.11g/l) was administered to one set of 50 birds for 7 days (ocimum treatment), while the second sets of 50 birds which were not given the Ocimum extracts served as the control. Result show that the herb had a crude protein content of 4.56%, carbohydrate 13.40% and dry matter of 78.63%, but low in crude fibre (1.06%) and ash (1.21%). Prior to the administration of Ocimum extract the population of Salmonella was highest at the ileum (2.05 log cfu/g) followed by the crop (1.79 log cfu/g) and least at the caecum (1.77 log cfu/g). E. coli was highest at the ileum (2.05 log cfu/g), followed by the caecum (1.93 log cfu/g) and least at the crop (1.83 log cfu/g). Lactobacillus followed the pattern of E. coli but with different population, being highest at the ileum (1.95 log cfu/g) flowed by the caecum (1.90 log cfu/g) and least at the crop (1.79 log cfu/g). One week after the administration of Ocimum extracts to the chickens, the population of microbes in the gut decreased significantly (P<0.05) in relation to the control, suggesting the efficacy of Ocimum at reducing the population of enteric bacteria

In-vitro antibacterial effect of Ocimum gratissimum on Broiler gut microflora

Ocimum gratissimum  Linn is a medicine herb that is used in tropical world particularly in Asia, Africa and South America. Because of the restrictions in the use of antibiotics in animal health, alternative drugs are being considered. This study was designed to assess the antibiotic activity of O. gratissimum for the control of gut microorganisms. Proximate and phytochemical analysis of the herb was carried. To 100 day old chicks, aqueous extract of the herb was administered to a set of 50 chicks (Ocimum treatment) but was not given to the second set (control). Antibiotic sensitivity testing of gut microbes (Salmonella and E. coli) isolated from the chicks was tested using 0.11 g/l dried O. gratissimum extract. In the control , the zone of inhibition (ZOI) of Salmonella was 13.2, 11.8 and 14.8mm at the crop, ileum and caecum respectively whereas in the Ocimum treatment, the ZOI were significantly higher (P<0.05)  being 15.0, 15.6 and 15.6 mm respectively. The pattern of sensitivity of Salmonella and E.coli was similar. The zone of inhibition was significantly wider in the chicks administered with Ocimum gratissimum extract compared to the control. Antibiotic activity of the herb may be due to the presence of phytochemicals particularly sapronins, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins. We conclude by recommending the use of the plant for the control of pathogenic microbes of broilers

The Effect of Probiotic and Prebiotic Feed Supplementation on Chicken Health and Gut Microflora: A Review

Abstract: Commercial poultry production is ranked among the highest source of animal protein in the world. Microbial infections caused by bacteria (Salmonella, Clostridium perfringes) and parasites particularly Eimeria has continued to challenge the poultry industry. Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGP) have been traditionally used to counter microbial infections in poultry. But due to public health concerns, the use of AGP in poultry is either restricted or out rightly banned in several countries. Hence, this review is aimed at highlighting alternative feed supplements that can enhance performance and protect the chickens from microbial infections. The study found that dietary supplements containing probiotic, prebiotic and enzymes are able to enhance performance while protecting the chickens from microbial infection