Lalithakunjamma, C RSajitha, I SKAU2019-05-312019-05-312002172008http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810105945PGThe study was designed to assess the effect of Emblica officinalis on hepatic function in broiler chicken and to evaluate its efficacy as a feed additive. The liver of birds are exposed to various hepatotoxins present in feed, like added feed additives, antibiotics in excess as well fl-s mycotoxins like aflatoxin. The protection afforded by Emblica against these was studied. Fifty-four day old broiler chicks were divided into three groups of two replicates each. Group I (Control group) was given normal commercial feed, groups II and III were given amla at one per cent and two per cent levels respectively, for eight weeks along with the control feed. Body weight gain, feed efficiency, feed analysis, haemogram, serum profile, liver weight and gross and histopathological changes in liver were studied. A gradual reduction in body weight gain, was noted in the control group birds, when compared to the amla fed birds. Group II and III birds recorded a better FCR, when compared to group I birds. Proximate analysis of the feed indicated normal chemical composition of feed. Analysis for aflatoxin content revealed the presence of toxin in the range of 100-150 ppb in the starter and 150-200 ppb in the finisher feeds. The toxicopathological changes induced by the control feed, may be attributed to the presence of toxins in the feed. The toxicopathological changes in the birds were found to be lowered in its intensity in relation with the level of amla, with the most severe changes in the control group birds. Values of hemoglobin, PCV, total leucocyte, lymphocyte and heterophil count, total serum protein and albumin showed a decrease, whereas the ESR and the serum enzyme levels showed an increase in the control group birds. The gross and histopathological changes induced by the toxin, were reduced in the amla treated groups in a dose dependent manner. Degenerative and necrotic lesions and chronic fibrous tissue proliferation, bile duct proliferation and biliary hyperplasia were noted. Regenerative and repair processes were also well pronounced. The toxicopathological changes, induced by the toxin, was significantly reduced by Emblica officinalis, especially at two per cent level. Toxic contamination of commercial feed especially with aflatoxin is very common in Kerala. Considering this and the results of the present study, it can be concluded that Emblica officinalis has got significant hepatoprotective activity and can be used as an effective feed additive in commercial livestock feed.ennullThesis