Effects of Reserpine Additions to Feed for Broilers and Laying Hens

Abstract

Studies with reserpine thus far have shown its possible beneficial effects for poultry to be due to its hypotensive and tranquilizing properties. In growing turkeys, a decreased mortality rate due to aortic rupture has been reported following the feeding of reserpine. Laying hens under social stress showed little or no improvement in egg production with reserpine, but showed less decline in production during thermal stress. A reduction in mortality has been observed during thermal stress. Broilers have indicated a possible improvement in feed conversion and body weight with reserpine under normal and stress conditions. Some studies with poultry showed detrimental effects after the administration of low levels of reserpine. Since many strains of chickens are easily excited and frightened, detrimental effects under crowded conditions often result. An objective of the work reported here was to determine what effect reserpine has upon broilers and laying hens under crowded conditions. High and medium protein diets containing high and medium energy levels with and without reserpine were fed to broiler chickens. Observations were made on weight gains, mortality and feed efficiency. The laying hens were housed under crowded and non-crowded conditions. Observations were made on mortality, egg production and feed efficiency with different levels of reserpine in the diet