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Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2017, 3 (1), 120-126; doi: 10.3329/ajmbr.v3i1.32047
Asian Journal of
Medical and Biological Research
ISSN 2411-4472 (Print) 2412-5571 (Online)
www.ebupress.com/journal/ajmbr
Article
Effects of aloe vera extract in drinking water on broiler performance
Md. Mirajul Islam1, Md. Mamunur Rahman2*, Salma Sultana 3, Md. Zakir Hassan 4, Abdul Gaffar Miah 5 and
Md. Abdul Hamid 6
1Dept. of Animal Science and Nutrition, HSTU, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
2Conservation and Improvement of Native Sheep through Community & Commercial Farming Project, BLRI,
Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
3Department of Physiology, BAU, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
4Animal Health Research Division, BLRI, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
5Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, HSTU, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
6Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, HSTU, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
*Corresponding author: Md. Mamunur Rahman, Scientific Officer, Conservation and Improvement of Native
Sheep through Community & Commercial Farming Project, BLRI, Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh. Phone:
+8801719470722; E-mail: mamun13dvm@yahoo.com
Received: 07 March 2017/Accepted: 22 March 2017/ Published: 30 March 2017
Abstract: This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of aloe vera extract
(w/v) on growth performance of broiler. The present study explored the potentials of medicinal plants Aloe
barbedensis mixture in broiler performance. For this purpose, 120 day old chicks were randomly assigned into
five treatment groups, namely T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4. Each treatment group contained 24 chicks. The chicks were
purchased from a local chick hatchery named Nourish Poultry & Hatchery Ltd. Birds were brooded up to 10
days and then reared in separate flock for 35 days in an open sided house. Each treatment group was further
replicated into three sub-groups and each contained eight birds. Experimental birds in T1, T2, T3 and T4 were
provided with aloe vera extract (w/v) @ 05, 10, 15 and 20 ml per liter of drinking water while T0 was
maintained as control group. Relevant data were recorded throughout the experimental period and subjected to
statistical analysis. The data on growth parameters (body weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, water
intake) and feed cost and gross return per broiler were evaluated. The results of the study revealed that the aloe
vera supplemented groups showed higher live weight gain than untreated group. Aloe vera supplemented groups
showed more live weight gain in the terminal stages of the experiment. Aloe vera (w/v) extract supplemented
groups performed the best feed efficiency. The live weight gain and feed efficiency were significantly (P<0.05)
better in the broilers provided water containing 15 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract. Water intake, feed intake and
abdominal fat deposition of broilers given aloe extract in drinking water were not different among each other.
So, 15 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract may be given to the broilers drinking water.
Keywords: aloe vera extract; broilers; growth performance
1. Introduction
Broiler is an efficient feed converter into poultry meat in only 35 days, giving a quick return of investment that
would allow 5-6 production cycles in a year. Broilers clearly dominate the world poultry consumption
contributing about 70 % to the world poultry market (Roenick, 1998). The frequent use of drugs as feed
additives in poultry ration resulted in resistant to pathogenic microorganism, affecting the feed efficiency and
growth performance of poultry birds. Therefore, the scientists has been giving their attention on medicinal
plants (like aloe vera, neem, mulberry leaves etc.) to achieve the targeted nutritional and health status of poultry.
The consumption and demand for medicinal plants have been adopted in many countries because of low cost,
Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2017, 3 (1)
121
easy availability, affordability for a common farmer, good antimicrobial natured, reduced diseases associated
risks, lowering blood cholesterol level and diversified functions in improving performance, growth rate, feed
efficiency and weight gain in birds. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is one of the semi-tropical house plant under
lily family has a long and illustrious history dating from biblical times. It has been mentioned throughout
recorded history and given a high ranking as an all-purpose herbal plant. There are over 250 species of aloe
grown around the world. However, only two species are grown today commercially, with Aloe barbadensis and
Aloe aborescens being the most popular. Leaves are the main part, which contains most of these compounds
(Volger et al., 1999). Locally aloe vera is known as “Ghritokumari” and is used as an ingredient of herbal
formulation. Choi et al. (2001) isolated aloe-emodin and different form of aloins (aloin A and B) from freeze
dried aloe vera leaves. They significantly decrease in blood glucose levels along with protective effect on
insulin producing β cells. Aloe vera contains 75 potentially (Amar et al., 2008). Chemical analysis has revealed
that this clear gel contains amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, proteins, polysaccharides and biological
stimulators. Feed contribute 60-65% in the cost of poultry production. There is an immense demand to reduce
feeding cost and to efficiently utilize nutrients for higher economic return. Natural products are safe for broilers
with no residual effect. Generally, medicinal plants improve apparent whole tract and ideal digestibility of the
nutrients. Aloe vera (Aloe barbedensis) gel has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory activities (Davis et
al., 1994). Aloe vera, a medicinal plant, could be an effective substitute for its chemical nature and antimicrobial
activities. Aloe gel has been used as antibiotics (Swaim et al., 1992), wound healing (Davis et al., 1994), anti-
inflammatory anti coccidial (Mwale et al., 2005) and anti-ulcer (Koo, 1994) agent. Several studies have shown
antimicrobial properties of herb extract which can improve intestinal micro flora population an enhance health
of broilers digestive system through reduction in number of diseases making bacteria. However, there is a
limited research works have been conducted on the effect of aloe vera aqueous extract on production
performance of broiler. Therefore the study was been under taken to determine the influence of aloe gel on
growth performance of broilers and evaluating the cost and return analysis after using the different level of aloe
gel in broiler production.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study area
The farm was recognized as small scale broiler farm, keeping 500- 1000 broilers per batch situated in Dinajpur
District of Bangladesh. The experiment was conducted from mid April to mid May of 2013 at experimental
farm named Rahman Poultry Farms in Dinajpur. During the experiment, the average daily mean temperature
was 27°C (mean of highest temperatures 32°C and of the minimum 22°C) and average relative humidity was
60%.
2.2. Dietary treatments and management
The experiment has been approved by Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Hajee Mohammad Danesh
Science and Technology University. One hundred and twenty day old Ross 308 chicks of approximately same
body weight were purchased from renounced poultry chicks suppliers. The chicks were divided into five
treatment groups with three replicates (twenty four chicks for each treatment) on a completely randomized
design. The control group (To) was provided with plain water along with required diet. For the next four
treatment groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) were provided with 5, 10, 15 and 20 ml per liter of aloe vera gel
respectively. Experimental diets were fed from 11 days to 35 days of age. Nutritional requirement of birds in
different experimental periods were extracted from Table 1 provided for farming Ross 308 chicks. Broilers were
fed ad libitum throughout the experimental period.
2.3. Housing
The house of indoor system was made with a concrete floor and windows were being built with upper fans for
ventilation. Ventilation system was limited by flat roofing which made the inside air movement contained
within the house as there was no air space on the top. Fresh and dried rice husk was used as litter of about 5 cm
depth.
2.4. Lighting
During this study, the birds received a lighting regimen of 23 h light: 1 h darkness. Thermostatically electric
brooders were used to provide additional heat during brooding. Brooding temperature was initially set to
33±1°C and was gradually reduced over 3 wks to acclaim chicks to outdoor temperatures.
Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2017, 3 (1)
122
2.5. Feeding
Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Starter diets were provided from day 1 day to 16 days of age and
finisher diets from day 17 to 35 days of age. For the rest of the feeding period, feeds were placed on the feeding
trough. Ad libitum water was supplied available at all times in water trough.
2.6. Preparation of 10% aloe gel infusion
Aloe vera plants (Figure 1) were purchased from local horticulture centre and nurtured them in front of the open
land of research poultry farm. Aloe gel infusion was prepared accordingly to the method of Durrani et al.
(2008). Fresh aloe leaves were collected from garden for the extraction of gel. The aloe gel was extracted from
the leaf manually by making a cut, using a pocket knife. Latex of the leaf was removed and gel was collected in
a beaker. A 10% (w/v) concentrated infusion was prepared by taking 100 g of fresh gel in a glass bottle and one
liter of boiled water at room temperature was poured on it. The bottle was shacked for 5-7 minutes to ensure
thorough mixing and was then kept for 6-8 hours at room temperature prior to use. The PH of aloe vera gel was
4.49. It was a colorless gel with negative microbial load.
2.7. Data collection
Records were collected from 11 days to 35 days in mid April to mid May in 2013. Birds of each treatment was
randomly selected and weighed on a schedule basis for live weight gains. Electronic weighing scale was used
for sample group weighing to determine the live weights. Feed intake was estimated by calculating the required
amounts offered in gm and refused amounts on the schedule basis according to the manual of nutrient
requirement for poultry Bureau of Indian Standard (B. I. S., 1992). Feed intake, live weight gains, mortality and
feed efficiency were taken from 11 days to 35 days of age in each treatment group of broilers. Daily and
cumulative feed intake was determined by offering known amount of feed and measuring refusal feed (Feed
intake = Feed offered – Feed refused). Similarly, feed efficiency was measured by the following formula. (Feed
Efficiency = Total feed intake ÷ Total weight gain).Chicks' weight and feed consumption were recorded for
each experimental unit as schedule time intervals. After 35 days, two birds from each replicate was selected,
slaughtered (12 h after feed withdraw). After sacrificing, carcasses were immerged into hot water (56°C for 120
s) and then plucked and manually eviscerated to obtain the ready to cook carcass. The carcass, stomach,
abdominal fat, breast meat and leg meat were weighed. Percent of eviscerated carcass was calculated as the ratio
between the eviscerated carcass and live weight after fasting broilers and feed were weighed at 11, 22 and 35
days of age for determination of live weight and feed efficiency. Livability was recorded as a percentage of live
birds.
2.8. Statistical analysis
The data were statistically analyzed By MSTAT-C software with the standard procedures of analysis of variance
(ANOVA), using completely randomized design. Means were compared for significance of differences by
DMRT suggested by Steel and Torrie (1981).
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Body weight gain
The live weight of broilers fed on 15 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract in drinking water showed significantly
higher live weight gain (P<0.05) than those of the broilers provided the clean water (Table 2). The broilers of T3
gained 1410 g whereas the treatment groups of T1, T2, T4 gained 1258 g, 1345 g, 1396 g respectively. The live
weight was increasing up to 15 ml/L of aloe gel and then decreased slightly provided with 20 ml/L of aloe vera
aqueous extract in drinking water. Changkang et al. (2007) found that 600 mg of aloe vera gel water extract
results in significant increased live weight gain in third and sixth weeks. The birds of T3 group provided 15 ml/L
aloe vera extract, revealed higher (P<0.05) live weight gain as compared to other groups. Similar findings have
been reported by Jiang et al. (2005), Guo et al. (2004) and Durrani et al. (2008).
Swaim et al. (1992) found that broilers took 10 ml aqueous extract of aloe vera per liter of drinking water
showed better performance due to diversified antimicrobial activities of aloe gel. Broilers are prone to various
environmental stresses that negatively affect bird’s immunity and minimize their resistance to different diseases
probably due to oxidative damage of lymphoid tissues that result in impaired antibodies production. The
antioxidant nature of medicinal plants (Botsoglou et al., 2001) can alleviate the negative influence of
environmental stresses and can improve immune function to combat different types of diseases resulting
increased growth performance. Figure 2 showed the effect of aloe vera extract in drinking water on live weight.
Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2017, 3 (1)
123
In this line diagram, Y axis showed the live weight in grams and X axis showed the experimental period on day
11, day 22 and day 35 respectively.
Table 1. Ingredients and chemical composition of the basal diets1.
Ingredients (%)
Starter (0-16 d)
Grower (17-35 d)
Corn
54.87
61.78
Soybean meal
36.72
26.36
Fish meal
1.31
4.50
Vegtable oil
3.00
4.00
Limestone
1.15
1.05
Dicalcium phosphate
1.94
1.49
Vit. and min. premix1
0.50
0.50
Salt
0.30
0.30
DL-methionine
0.21
0.02
Total
100.00
100.00
Calculated Chemical Composition
ME (kcal/kg)
2900
3100
CP (%)
21.44
19.37
Calcium (%)
1.05
1.00
Phosphorus (%)
0.16
0.50
Sodium (%)
1.41
0.14
Arginine (%)
1.41
1.23
Methionine + Cystine (%)
0.91
0.69
Lysine (%)
1.20
1.10
Tryptophan (%)
0.31
0.26
1provide per kilogram of diet: vitamin A, 15000 IU; vitamin D3, 8000 IU; vitamin K3, 3 mg; B12, 15 μg; niacin,
32 mg; choline, 840 mg; biotin, 40 μg; thiamine, 4 mg; B2 (riboflavin), 6.6 mg; pyridoxine, 5 mg; folic Acid, 1
mg; Zn, 80 mg; Mn, 100 mg; Se, 200 mg; Fe, 80 mg; Mg (magnesium oxide), 12; Cu, 10 mg; Ca (calcium
pontatenate), 15 mg; iodeine,1 mg.
Table 2. Mean body weight gain, feed and water intake, feed efficiency, feed cost and gross return from
broilers given aloe extract in drinking water.
Parameters
T0
0 ml/L
T1
5 ml/L
T2
10 ml/L
T3
15 ml/L
T4
20 ml/L
Level of Sign.
Initial Live wt. (g)
33613
33816
33518
33714
33415
-
Final live wt. (g)
1496a28
1589b 31
1674c26
1747d38
1725cd22
*
Live wt. gain(g)
1160a14
1258b16
1345c17
1410d23
1396cd21
*
Feed intake g/25 d
229742
230554
231462
231536
232158
NS
Water intake ml/25 d
562332
564634
565537
565833
565635
NS
Feed efficiency
1.98a0.03
1.83b0.07
1.72c0.05
1.64d0.07
1.66d0.08
*
Feed cost (Tk./chick)
1238
1255
1287
12711
1269
NS
Gross return (Tk./chick)
522
534
547
545
533
NS
Dressing %
69
71
72
74
71
NS
Abdominal fat (g)
24
26
25
27
27
NS
NS Means in row with different superscripts were significantly different at P<0.05, S= statistically not significant, *=
statistically significant
3.2. Feed intake
The total feed intake of experimental period of the broilers in all treatment groups were not significantly differs
from one another. However, the broilers of T3 group took containing 15 ml/L aloe vera gel water showed higher
feed intake, due to the phytogenic substance in aloe vera that may stimulate appetite and endogenous secretion
which in turn improved performance (Windisch et al., 2008). Olupona et al. (2010) reported that the feed intake
was higher in the broilers took aloe gel treated drinking water. Total feed intake was gradually increased with
increased level of aloe gel in drinking water. Figure 4 showed the average feed intake in grams along with
different treatment groups. In this diagram T3 showed higher feed intake among all treatment groups. The total
Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2017, 3 (1)
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feed consumption of each treatment group was gradually increased up to 15 ml/L of aloe vera mixed drinking
water and then become went down slightly.
Figure 1. Aloe vera leaves. Figure 2. Chemical structure of aloein.
Figure 3. Effect of aloe vera extract in drinking water
on growth performance.
Figure 4. Effect of aloe vera extract in
drinking water on feed intake.
3.3. Water intake
No significant difference in mean water intake was found among all treatment groups. Odo et al. (2010)
reported no significant difference (P> 0.05) on water intake. Water intake was recorded at the end of
experiment.
3.4. Feed efficiency
At the experimental period, the broilers of T3 groups took containing15 ml/L aloe gel converted feed to meat
most efficiently. The feed efficiency of T0 was significantly (P<0.05) lower than the treatment groups (Table 2).
The feed efficiency of the broilers took 15 ml/L and 20 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract in drinking water were
significantly ( P<0.05) higher than the broilers took 5 ml/L and 10 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract in drinking
water . The feed efficiency were increased with increasing level of aloe vera aqueous extract in drinking water
up to 15 ml/L, but 20 ml/L aloe gel showed slightly decreased feed efficiency. Mehala and Moorthy (2008)
found that no significant difference among the treatment groups due to dietary inclusion of aloe vera and
cucumber longa and its combination on feed efficiency. Guo et al. (2004) found higher feed efficiency in
broilers treated with Chinese herbs on the days 21 through 28. A poorer feed efficiency may be obtained
possibly attribute to poorer utilization of ingested energy.
3.5. Abdominal fat and dressing percentage
Mean abdominal fat and dressing percentage was measured on 35 days by digital weight balance. Results on
dressing percentage on day 35 were not significant, the relatively the heavier dressing percentage was observed
in T3 (74%) than other treatments T0 (69%), T1 (71%), T2 (72%) and T4 (71%) respectively. Abdominal fat
deposition were T0 (24 g), T1 (26 g), T2 (25 g), T3 (27 g) and T4 (27 g) respectively. This finding favorably
compared with earlier reports of Sinurat et al. (2002) who stated that supplementation of fresh aloe vera gel
(0.25 g/kg) and dry aloe vera gel (1.0 g/kg) in broiler diet from 1 day old to 5 weeks of age showed no
significant effect on abdominal fat levels.
Growth performance during experimental period
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
010 20 30 40
Days
Final live wt.(g)
T0
T1
T2
T3
T4
Feed intake
2297
2305
2314
2326
2321
2280
2285
2290
2295
2300
2305
2310
2315
2320
2325
2330
T0 T1 T2 T3 T4
Treatme nt groups
Feed wt.(g)
Feed intake
Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2017, 3 (1)
125
3.6. Feed cost and gross return
Mean feed cost and gross return per broiler was not affected by giving aloe extract to broilers in drinking water.
Among the treatment groups mean feed cost were T0 (Tk.123), T1 (Tk.125), T2 (Tk.128), T3 (Tk.127) and T4
(Tk.126) respectively. Although, not significant, the relatively higher gross return per broiler in T2 and T3
(Tk.54), than in other treatment group T0 (Tk.52), T1 (Tk.53), T4 (Tk.53) respectively .This result revealed the
importance of aloe extract given to broilers in drinking water.
3.7. Conclusions
The study was conducted to make an inventory on using aloe vera aqueous extract (w/v) in drinking water on
growth performance of broiler. The experiment was conducted at the local commercial small scale broiler
farmer in Dinajpur District during a period from mid April to mid May 2013. The study was conducted with 120
Ross 308 commercial broiler chicken. The experiment was aimed at determining the influence of aloe vera gel
on growth performance of broilers such related with body weight gain, feed efficiency, feed intake, and water
intake. Providing 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% of aloe vera gel in drinking water had no significant (P>0.05)
effect on feed intake, water intake. Similarly, it had no significant (P>0.05) effect on abdominal fat, breast, thigh
and offal weight, feed cost and gross return. But, live weight gain and feed efficiency were significantly
(P<0.05) better than control group. In case of live weight gain and feed efficiency, 1.5% inclusion level of aloe
vera gel is more appreciated for satisfactory performance whereas other inclusion level earned poor score.
Moreover, there is no adverse effect on broiler production performance due to the intake of aloe vera extract in
drinking water. So, the aloe vera aqueous extract 10% (w/v) up to 1.5% may be efficiently utilized in drinking
water for broilers during 25 days long from 11 days to 35 days.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our deep sense of gratitude to supervisor, co-supervisor and teachers of the
Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University,
Dinajpur, Bangladesh.
Conflict of interest
None to declare.
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