Content area
Full Text
SUMMARY
Poultry industry progressed rapidly in the last few decades with drastic genetic developments after undergoing strict selection process. Developments in the poultry sector was revolving around the sole objective to provide cheap protein source to the underfed human population which was otherwise not possible by other meat sources to fill the gap. To improve and maintain high growth rate in poultry, low dose antibiotics are commonly used as growth promoters and as prophylactic measures. Drug residues in meat and eggs lead to a challenging problem of drug resistance in human. To avoid drug resistance, it is necessary to explore new ways which can replace antibiotics without compromising the performance of birds. Some natural herbs are claimed to possess the potential for improved growth rate by manipulating intestinal morphology. For this purpose the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of mentha piperita dried leaves supplementation in diet on the intestinal properties of quail. A total of 180 quail of 15 weeks age were divided in 6 groups having 30 birds in each. Each group was than divided into 6 subgroups which consist of 5 birds in each. Experiment lasted for 70 days. Groups A (control group), B, C, D, E and F were fed diets containing 0% , 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% dried ground peppermint leaves. Results revealed that in peppermint supplemented groups villus height remained unaffected (P>0.05), crypt depth was observed significantly higher (P<0.05) in groups B and F while tunica muscularis thickness was recorded higher (P<0.0) in group D as compared to control group A. It is concluded from the results that mentha piperita supplementation can improve the morphological characteristics of intestine which may result in better nutrient utilization and ultimately better performance of the birds.
Keywords: Mentha piperita, extract, villus, crypt, quail
INTRODUCTION
With the recent development in human health concerns, it is seriously observed that antibiotic residues present in different human foods are causing drug resistance and leading to many complications. Drug resistance is a burning challenge which is affecting the all age humans including children consuming meat, milk and eggs or their products. Use of antibiotic in poultry is common as growth promoters and for prophylactic measures. Poultry farming is profit oriented business which focuses...