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has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Effects of Fresh Cupressus sempervirens Leaves Infusion on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Parameters in Broilers

  AUTHORS: Donfack Mikael, Noumbissi Marie Noël Bertine, Ciemeni Michelle Aimee, Tindo Tsamene Romario, Evelyn Ngwa Bih, Djamen Tchantchou Chamberlin, Nyembo Kondo Camile, Tsafong Jeatsa Franklain, Necdem Tsafack Boris, Kana Jean Raphaël

  KEYWORDS: Broilers, Cupressus sempervirens, Growth Performance, Haemato-Biochemical Parameters, Intestinal Microbiota

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Animal Sciences, Vol.14 No.2, March 28, 2024

  ABSTRACT: The accumulation of growth-promoting antibiotic residues in animal products and the resistance developed by bacteria in poultry farms has led to a search for natural compounds derived from plants. This study was designed to promote the production performance of broiler chickens using fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves infusion. Fresh Cupressus sempervirens leaves were harvested, washed, chopped and ground to a paste using a blender and fermented for three days in a closed container at a rate of 500 g/L of water. The solution obtained was filtered and added at the rate of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ml/L of drinking water. The chickens fed on the graded level of the solution were compared to a control ration without an additive and positive control group supplemented with 1 g antibiotic/kg feed. At the finisher phase and throughout the study period, water intake increased significantly (P 0.05) affected by the inclusion of Cupressus sempervirens infusion. Haematological parameters significantly (P exception of RBCs, MCHT and PCT. Serum content in total protein, globulins, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly (P Cupressus sempervirens infusion/litre drinking water as compared to all other treatments. AST, ALT, urea, creatine, albumin, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were not significantly affected. The lactic acid bacteria load increased significantly (P E. coli and salmonella counts decreased significantly (P Cupressus sempervirens infusion can be used as an alternative to antibiotic feed additives to promote growth performance in broilers.