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This study was performed to show the effect of two herbal extracts as alternatives to antibiotics in the first eight days of rearing on broiler performance, serum biochemistry, and the jejunum morphology of the broiler. A total of 264, one-day Ross 308 chicks were used. They were randomly distributed into four treatments including three replicates of each. T1 was the control (nothing in drinking water), T2 had antibiotics in the drinking water (1 g/L of Gentadox), T3 had ENTERIA in the drinking water (0.5ml/L), T4 had ICEN in the drinking water (0.5ml/L). These products were administered for the first eight consecutive days of rearing. In the first seven days, there was no substantial variation in performance found in all groups. From days 8-14, T3 markedly improved body weight gain (BWG). The feed conversion ratio (FCR), thyroid hormones, total protein, and globulin were substantially improved in T3 and T4. The edible internal organs and heart percentage was substantially increased in the herbal groups. All the jejunum histology parameters, except the crypt depth, were substantially increased in T3. The T3 recorded the best bodyweight uniformity and economic efficiency compared to other groups. Similarly, the yolk sac residual at days 4 and 7 was lower in this group compared to other groups. It can be concluded that herbal extracts can replace antibiotics in improving and enhancing general broiler performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of feeding Gmelina leaf meal (GLM) diets for 82 days was investigated on productive performance and the cost-benefit ratio of West African dwarf (WAD) goats. Thirty six WAD goats of about 10 to 12-month-old were divided into four groups of nine and repeated three times in each group in this study. Four diets, A, B, C and D, were formulated in a completely randomized design to contain GLM at 0%, 12%, 24% and 36% GLM, respectively. In the morning, each goat received a specified treatment diet. The feed given was based on 3.5 percent body weight per day; in addition, a kg of wilted chopped Pennisetum purperum was fed to the goats later in the day as a basal diet to increase rumination and chime chewing. The GLM revealed high dry matter and energy values. The findings showed a substantial increase (p < 0.05) in body weight gain and feed conversion ratios for B, C, and D. Data on carcass indices indicated that dressing percentage, slaughter, warm carcass, loin and set weights showed better (p < 0.05) results for goats on GLM diets compared with the control. However, A produced better (p < 0.05) empty gut and feet weights in comparison with the treatment (B, C and D) groups. Feed cost and feed cost/weight gain were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from A to D. The cost / benefit ratio was affected (p < 0.05) with D bucks having better revenue of N8.17 for each invested N1.00. It was concluded that GLM is rich in essential nutrients and therefore able to better results at 36 percent for use in WAD goat diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]