Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access

Abstract

Haemogram and Serum Enzymes Activities of Newcastle Disease Virus Challenged Broiler Chickens Following Supplemental Treatment with Aloe Vera Extract

Ojiezeh TI and Ophori EA

Aloe products have been promoted for use in constipation, coughs, diabetes, arthritis, immune-system deficiencies and many other conditions, but the clinical efficiency in chickens is unknown. Therefore, the study was designed to determine the haemogram and serum enzymes activities of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) challenged broilers following supplementation of Aloe vera. One hundred and forty day-old broilers were grouped into seven 20 broilers/group, were treated with different concentrations of the extract for 30 days. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups were challenged with 0.2 saline suspension of 10⁶ ELD₅₀ intradermal inoculation of NDV challenged strain up to the 30^th day. Increase in serum protein, aspartate transaminase, creatinine, urea and gamma globulin levels among challenged group was concentration dependent (50 mg>100 mg>150 mg) but not statistically significant (P>0.05). Lymphocytosis among supplemented and challenged group was concentration dependent (50 mg>100 mg>150 mg) and statistically significant (P<0.05). Control group lymphocyte count was within normal range (55-70%). Heterophil and lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was lower in supplemented and challenged group. Oral intake of Aloe vera modulated leucocytes proliferation of the broilers and enhanced the cell differentiation in favour of the lymphocyte. Serum enzymes activities in broilers challenged with NDV following supplementation with A. vera juice were positively influenced, and modulated the excessive leakage of protein, globulin, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase in infected birds. This extract may therefore be seen as a good immunomodulator.