Research Article

iMedPub Journals Journal of Animal Research and Nutrition 2018

http://www.imedpub.com/ Vol.3 No.2:5
ISSN 2572-5459
DOI: 10.21767/2572-5459.100049

Effects of Dichrostachys Glomerata Feeding Regimes on Growth Performance,

Gut Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Profile of Japanese Quails
Ebile Dayan A, Kana JR*, Pimagha Moffo HJ, Edie Nounamo LW, Nguefack Djieufo G, Ngouana
Tadjong R and Fonteh AF
Animal Nutrition and Production Research Unit, Department of Animal Production, University of Dschang, Cameroon
*Corresponding author: Kana JR, Animal Nutrition and Production Research Unit, Department of Animal Production, University of Dschang,
Cameroon, Tel: +237 674893394; E-mail: kanajean@yahoo.fr
Recived date: August 27, 2018; Accepted date: September 07, 2018; Published date: September 14, 2018
Citation: Ebile Dayan A, Kana JR, Pimagha Moffo HJ, Edie Nounamo LW, Nguefack Djieufo G, Ngouana Tadjong R and Fonteh AF (2018) Effects of
Dichrostachys Glomerata Feeding Regimes on Growth Performance, Gut Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Profile of Japanese Quails. J Anim
Res Nutr 3: 2: 5.
Copyright: ©2018 Ebile Dayan A, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Conclusions: The feeding of D. glomerata powder to quails

through feed or drinking water can be used as an
Abstract alternative to antibiotics to balance gut microbiota in
Japanese quails.
Background: The ban of antibiotics growth promoters due
to bacteria resistance and the presence of chemical residues
in animal products have stimulated research for alternative Keywords Dichrostachys glomerata; Gut microbiota;
feeding supplements in poultry production. This study was Haemato-biochemical profile; Japanese quails; Spices
designed to assess the production performance of quails
under two D. glomerata feeding regimes.
Introduction
Methods: A total of 160 two weeks old Japanese quail
chicks were assigned to four experimental treatments in a Growth promoters like chemical products, herbal plants,
completely randomised design with 4 replicates of 10 chicks essential oils, antibiotics and enzymes play an active role in the
(5 males and 5 females) in each treatment. The two feeding experimental and commercial production of large and small
regimes consisted of 5 g/kg of feed (T1) and cold water animals [1-2]. Antibiotics were added to animal feed in order to
inclusion of 5 g/l (T2) of D. glomerata. Data were recorded prevent, treat infections, reduce morbidity and mortality, as well
on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio,
as improve growth and production in animals [3]. Several studies
haematological and serum biochemical parameters, and
intestinal microbial count. showed that up to 81% of poultry meat and environmental
isolates analysed were resistant to enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin,
Findings: Quails fed on the two feeding regimes were tetracycline or erythromycin [4]. Sengül et al. [5] reported that
compared to quails fed with diet without any supplement dietary inclusion of flavomycin in quail’s nutrition resulted in
(T0) and an antibiotic (1 g/kg) medicated diet. The results DNA damage and increased oxidative stress.
showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in feed intake and
weight gain, however the feed conversion ratio was This resulted to the systematic removal of antibiotics from
significantly lower (p<0.05) with antibiotic compared to the animal feed in the European Union countries [6]. The banning of
two feeding regimes. The feeding regimes did not have any antibiotic growth promoters and the increasing awareness of
significant (p>0.05) effect on carcass yield and relative consumers triggered the need for potential alternatives to
weight of organs. Triglycerides concentration was antibiotics among plant products which have been used for
significantly higher in quails fed on cold water
administration of D. glomerata as compared to the control
centuries such as spices and medicines.
diet. Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine Herbs and spices fall into the class of feed additives, currently
aminotransferase (ALAT), creatinine, total protein, albumin, referred to as “Phytogenics”. They are strongly being considered
urea, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol
were not significantly affected by the feeding regimes. as addition to the set of non-antibiotic growth promoters, such
Except for the concentration of pack cell volume (PCV) that as organic acids and probiotics which are already well
was significantly high (p<0.05) with cold water established in animal nutrition [7]. Some studies have shown
administration (41.5%) as compared to the negative control that spices contain active substances which have a positive
ration (35.25%), haematological blood components were impact on the production performance of domestic animals
not significantly affected by the feeding regimes. Feeding [8-11]. The most important bioactive constituents include
quails with D. glomerata powder whatever the regime alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and phenolic
significantly (p<0.05) increased lactic bacteria count
compared to E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococci. compounds.

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 Journal of Animal Research and Nutrition 2018
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D. glomerata has been shown to have antiviral, anti-infectious experiment, the quails received feed and water ad libitum every
[12], anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects [13]. This fruit also day.
exhibit in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity and can inhibit
oxidation of low-density lipoproteins [14]. These authors also Table 1: Composition of experimental diet
reported the ability of D. glomerata to reduce fasting blood
glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Ingredients (%) Quantity (%)

This spices acts indirectly on broiler performance and meat Maize 60

quality characteristics through their antimicrobial, antioxidant Wheat brand 4.5

and regulatory effects on animal’s intestinal microflora [8,11,15].
Soy bean meal 22
It has inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus epidermidis,
Streptococcus viridans and Escherichia coli [16]. Fish meal 4.5

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of D. Bone meal 2
glomerata feeding regimes on growth performance, gut
Oyster Shell 2
microbiota and haemato-biochemical profile of Japanese quails.
Premix 5%* 5

Materials and Methods Total 100

Trial has been performed in agreement with the guidelines of Calculated nutrients composition

the ethical standards from the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and Metabolisable energy (kcal/kg) 2906.8
latterly amendment.
Crude protein (%) 20.15

Area of study Calcium (%) 2.03

The study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm Phosphorus (%) 1.27
of the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University Lysine (%) 0.44
of Dschang, Cameroon. This farm is located at an altitude of
1420 m above sea level, between latitude 5°26’N and longitude Methionine (%) 0.14

10°26’E with an equato-guinean climate, tempered by altitude. *Vitamin premix provided per kilogram of diet: Vitamin A: 3000000 IU; Vitamin

D3: 600000 IU; Vitamin E: 4000 mg; Vitamin K: 500 mg; Vitamin B1: 200 mg;
Vitamin B2: 1000 mg; Vitamin B6: 400 mg; Vitamin B12: 4 mg; Mn: 80 mg; Fe:
Feed additives 8000 mg; Zn: 10000 mg; Cu: 2000mg; Methionine: 200000 mg; Lysine: 78000
mg; Se: 20 mg.
Dried sample of D. glomerata fruit was bought at the local
market in Dschang, ground into powder in a Harmed mill, sieved Prophylactic measures against the most common infectious
and incorporated in the experimental diets. The grounded spices diseases were carried out. The quails were given treatment
sample was put in polyethylene plastic, sealed and stored at 4°C against coccidiosis (Vetacox®) and Vitamins (AMINTOTAL®) in
in a refrigerator until analysis. water once a week. Chicks were weighed at the beginning of the
Phytochemical screening of D. glomerata showed that tannin experiment and on weekly basis thereafter. Data on feed intake
and alkaloids were absent. Steroids, flavonoids, saponins, and body weight gain were collected and used to calculate the
anthraquinons, anthocyanines and triterpenoids tests were feed conversion ratio (FCR) on weekly basis, monitored for five
positive. Antibiotic (Doxycyclin®) used in the positive control diet weeks.
was bought from a local veterinary pharmacy.
Growth performance, haematological and serum
Animal and experimental diets biochemical parameters
A total of 160 two weeks old Japanese quail chicks were At the end of the feeding trial (35 days of experiment), one
randomly assigned to four treatments groups in a completely male and one female from each replicate within the treatment
randomised design with 40 quails per treatment. Each group (8 quails per treatment) were selected for carcass evaluation.
was sub divided into 4 replicates of 10 quails each (5 males and They were fasted for 12 hours and slaughtered. Evisceration was
5 females). done by hand plucking of feathers in warm water, removal of
Two experimental diets were formulated from the negative shank and viscera were recorded individually and presented as a
control ration (T0) formulated to meet their requirements (Table percentage of live body weight.
1) by incorporating 1 g of antibiotic/kg of feed and considered as From each slaughtered quail, blood was collected in 2 test
positive control ration (T0+) and 5 g of D. glomerata fruit/kg of tubes, one of which contained an anticoagulant. Blood with
feed (T1). The last treatment consisted of incorporating 5 g/l of anticoagulant was used for haematological analysis using a fully
D. glomerata powder in drinking water (T2). Throughout the automatic blood cell counter (Model PCE-21ON Hong Kong,
China). Haematological parameters included White blood cell
(WBC), Red blood cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hgb), Mean cell
haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Mean cell volume (MCV),
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Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and Packed cell volume (PCV). variance test by General Linear Model procedure of Statistical
Meanwhile, after centrifugation of blood free from Package for Social Science (SPSS 20.0) software. The differences
anticoagulant, serum was collected and preserved at -20°C for were tested using Duncan’s multiple range test and probability
the evaluation of total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate values less than 0.05 was considered as significant [17].
aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), total
cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density Results
lipoproteins (LDL), triglyceride, urea and creatinine, using
colorimetric method as prescribed by the commercial kits
(Dialab® kits). Growth performance and carcass characteristics of
grower Japanese quails
Microbial count Table 2 summarised the overall performance of grower quails
A sterile spatula was used to collect freshly quail droppings fed on D. glomerata feeding regimes. The results of the present
into sterile bottles. The identification and quantification of study indicated no significant effects (p>0.05) among the
bacteria were assessed on appropriate specific culture media treatment groups for feed intake, final body weight, and weekly
(MRS Agar for lactic acid bacteria, Mac Conkey AGAR for E. coli, weight gain.
SS AGAR for Salmonella and MST AGAR for Staphylococcus). However, the administration of D. glomerata powder through
Samples were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. water (T2) numerically increased feed intake for about 2.89%
and 8.37% compared to the negative (T0) and positive (T0+)
Statistical analysis control rations respectively. Water inclusion of D. glomerata
significantly increased FCR compared to positive control ration
Data recorded on growth, haematological, biochemical and
supplemented with antibiotic.
microbial parameters were submitted to one-way analysis of

Table 2: Growth performance and carcass characteristics of quails as affected by D. glomerata feeding regimes

Treatments

Growth parameters T0 T0+ T1 (Feed) T2 (Water) SEM p-value

Feed intake, g 148.37 139.99 141.93 152.78 6.03 0.15

Body weight, g 266.27 267.38 270.87 268.5 5.96 0.88

Weekly weight gain, g 35.07 34.4 34.16 34.57 1.25 0.9

FCR 4.23ab 4.06b 4.17ab 4.43a 0.15 0.02

Carcass characteristics (%BW)

Carcass yield, % 77.69 78.85 77.79 77.59 0.25 0.25

Liver 1.71 1.72 1.81 1.66 0.04 0.54

Heart 1.06 0.97 0.99 0.97 0.03 0.69

Head 4.59 4.47 4.54 4.29 0.05 0.22

Legs 1.68 1.78 1.68 1.75 0.04 0.75

Abdominal fat 0.83 0.67 2.23 0.97 0.39 0.51

T0 =Negative control diet; T0+= T0 + 0.1% of Doxycycline; T1= T0 + 5 g D. glomerata powder/kg of feed; T2= drinking water + 5 g D. glomerata powder/litre of water.

Table 3 summarised the development of digestive organs of and MCH compared to negative and positive control ration. The
quails as affected by D. glomerata inclusion in feed and water. D. PCV was significantly (p<0.05) higher with drinking water
glomerata feeding regimes had no significant (p>0.05) effect on administration of D. glomerata compared to the negative
the development of digestive organs with respect to the control ration (T0).
negative and positive control treatments.
Except for serum content in triglycerides which significantly
The haematological parameters of Japanese quails as affected increased (p<0.05) for about 20.62% in quails fed on D.
by D. glomerata feeding regimes are summarised in Table 4. glomerata inclusion in drinking water (T2) compared to the
Although not significantly (p>0.05) different, feeding quails with negative control treatment (T0), the concentration of serum
D. glomerata whatever the regime tend to increase WBC, Hgb biochemical parameters of grower Japanese quails after 5 weeks

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 Journal of Animal Research and Nutrition 2018
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of experimentation indicated no significant (p>0.05) difference

among the serum constituents (Table 5).

Table 3: Effects of D. glomerata feeding regimes on the development of digestive organs of Japanese quails

Treatments

Digestive organs T0 T0+ T1 (Feed) T2 (Water) SEM p-value

Pancreas, % 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.19 0.01 0.95

Gizzard, % 1.89 1.83 2.04 1.89 0.05 0.4

Intestinal weight, g 5.16 5.16 5.18 5.6 0.15 0.71

Intestinal length, cm 60.98 62.43 62 64.61 0.9 0.56

Intestinal density, g/cm 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.09 0 0.85

T0 =Negative control diet; T0+= T0 + 0.1% of Doxycycline; T1= T0 + 5 g D. glomerata powder/kg of feed; T2= drinking water + 5 g D. glomerata powder/litre of water.

Table 4: Haematological parameters of Japanese quails fed on D. glomerata

Treatments

Blood parameters T0 T0+ T1 (Feed) T2 (Water) SEM p-value

WBC (103/ul) 83.73 84.1 85.95 85.43 0.39

RBC (106/ul) 3.6 3.57 3.69 3.83 0.06 0.41

Hgb (g/dl) 15.3 15.35 16.33 16.68 0.27 0.16

MCV (fl) 146.63 145.73 147.68 146.08 1.59 0.16

MCH (pg) 42.55 42.98 44.15 43.5 0.35 0.44

MCHC (g/dl) 29.03 29.48 29.9 29.78 0.18 0.34

PVC (%) 35.25b 38.50ab 37.50ab 41.50a 2.17 0.01

ab: Means on the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (p<0.05); WBC= White blood cell; RBC= Red blood cell; Hgb= Haemoglobin; MCV= Mean
cell volume; MCH= Mean cell haemoglobin; MCHC= Mean cell haemoglobin concentration; PCV= Packed cell volume; SEM= standard error on mean; T0 =Negative
control diet; T0+= T0 + 0.1% of Doxycycline; T1= T0 + 5 g D. glomerata powder/kg of feed; T2= drinking water + 5 g D. glomerata powder/litre of water.

Table 5: Serum biochemical parameters of Japanese quails as affected by D. glomerata feeding regimes

Treatments

Biochemical parameters T0 T0+ T1 (Feed) T2 (Water) SEM p-value

ASAT (U/I) 274.27 319.13 285.81 296.19 17.28 0.84

ALAT (U/I) 46.34 58.4 42.42 79.7 7.79 0.34

Creatinine (mg/dl) 0.28 0.2 0.34 0.41 0.04 0.28

Total protein (mg/dl) 2.92 2.99 2.99 3.28 0.07 0.3

Abulmin (mg/dl) 1.65 1.83 1.83 1.52 0.1 0.54

Urea (mg/dl) 6.86 7.82 6.05 6.91 0.38 0.45

Total cholesterol (mg/dl) 153.07 159.18 173.01 158.83 9.25 0.9

HDL (mg/dl) 48.37 43.68 37.24 43.18 3.3 0.72

LDL (mg/dl) 88.91 101.18 113.67 95.87 9.02 0.82

Triglycerides (mg/dl) 93.49b 109.17ab 99.79ab 117.78a 4.02 0.15

ab:
Means on the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (p<0.05); SEM= standard error mean. T0= negative control diet; T0+= T0 + 0.1% of
Doxycycline; T1= T0 + 5 g D. glomerata powder/kg of feed; T2= drinking water + 5 g D. glomerata powder/litre of water.

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However, although not significant (p>0.05), the serum content treatment. Feeding quails with D. glomerata through drinking
in ASAT, ALAT and creatinine of quails fed on D. glomerata water or feed resulted in a significant increase in number of
through drinking water numerically increased for about 7.40%, Staphylococcus counts. The feeding regimes had no significant
41.86% and 31.70% respectively compared to quails fed on diet (p>0.05) effect on lactic bacteria counts compared to the
without supplement (T0). negative and positive control treatments. With regard to the
bacteria species and irrespective of the treatment, lactic
The microbes isolated from the faecal sample of growing
bacteria counts were significantly (p<0.05) high compared to E.
quails fed on D. glomerata are shown in Table 6. E. coli and
coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus counts.
Salmonella counts markedly decreased with antibiotic and D.
glomerata in feed and water compared to the negative control

Table 6: Faecal microbial loads of quails fed on D. glomerata

Treatments

Bacteria load log10(cfu) T0 T0+ T1 (Feed) T2 (Water) SEM p-value

Lactobacillus 2.67 2.74 2.69 2.72 0.04 0.96

E. coli 2.28a 1.89b 2.03b 1.94b 0.05 0.02

Salmonella 1.66a 1.19b 1.46ab 1.21b 0.08 0.01

Staphylococcus 0.34b 0.44b 1.07a 1.33a 0.12 0

ab:
Means on the same row with different superscripts are significantly different (p<0.05); SEM= standard error on mean; T0= negative control diet; T0+= T0 + 0.1% of
Doxycycline; T1= T0 + 5 g D. glomerata powder/kg of feed; T2= drinking water + 5 g D. glomerata powder/liter of water.

Discussion understood because of the decrease in feed intake of birds fed

on antibiotics. FCR of birds receiving D. glomerata in feed and
Feeding quails with D. glomerata through drinking water water was comparable with birds receiving the negative control
resulted in a non-significant increase in feed intake for about diet. The non-significant change in FCR with the feeding regimes
2.89% compared to the quails fed on the negative control diet. could be associated with the dose of D. glomerata administered
This may be as a result of the small dose of D. glomerata in this study. Also, this might be due to the antioxidant activity
introduced, higher concentration of anti-nutritional substances of D. glomerata that stimulated protein synthesis by bird’s
or strong odour of this spice that may have reduced feed intake. enzymatic system with respect to the quantity of feed or water
Hernandez et al. [18] reported that optimisation of feed intake consumed. Moreover, Muneendra et al. [23] stated that spices
with feed additives from plant origin is controversial and change fatty acid composition which affects the surviving ability
depends on the amount and duration of administration. This of pathogenous microorganisms and could increase the digestive
corroborates the findings of Kalio et al. [19] who attributed the potentials of beneficial microorganisms there by increasing the
depression in feed intake of Japanese quails fed graded levels of animal’s ability to absorb and use more nutrients or stimulate its
Azadirachta indica leaf meal to the poor palatability and immune system [24]. This suggests that 5g of D. Glomerata/kg
probable presence of toxic or anti-nutritional factors inherent in feed was not enough to stimulate the absorption and usage of
the spice. The present result agrees with the findings of Nweze more nutrients.
et al. [20] who reported that feeding African porridge fruit
ANOVA revealed that D. glomerata powder incorporated in
(Tetrapleura tetraptera) pod to broilers through fresh or boiled
feed and water did not significantly affect carcass yield, liver,
water and feed has no effect on feed intake. Likewise the
pancreas, heart, gizzard, head, legs and abdominal fat and
incorporation of 2 g of D. glomerata/kg of feed did not improve
relative weight of the intestine when compared to the negative
broiler feed intake [11].
and positive control treatments. This might be because of the
Final body weight and weight gain were intermediate for all small quantity, short duration of administration of D. glomerata
treatment groups. This result is in close agreement with Lee et in the diets, the small quantity of feed consumed and
al. [21] and Jang et al. [22] who reported no significant effect on metabolised by quails. This result agrees with the results of
the weight gain and live body weight of broilers fed on a Barad et al. [25] who reported that 2% spices of coriander seed,
commercial feed additive containing thymol and turmeric powder and 0.5% black pepper had no significant effect
cinnamaldehyde. The present results are in contrast to the study on broilers carcass yield and relative weight of organs.
of Oleforuh-Okoleh et al. [10] which revealed that adding 50 ml Moreover, Seifi et al. [26] reported that organic acid
ginger, garlic and a combination of ginger-garlic into drinking supplementation of broiler diet had no significant effect on the
water of broilers improved final body weight and weight gain length of the small intestine or proportional weight of liver and
compared to the negative control treatment. pancreas. Also, Fazilat et al. [27] showed that weights of quail’s
organs like gizzard, heart, liver, kidney and spleen are not
The feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly decreased
affected by the supplementation of ration with commercial feed
(p<0.05) with feed inclusion of antibiotic compared to water
additive (Globacid®). This contradicts the results of Simsek et al.
inclusion of D. glomerata. The decrease in FCR can be
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[28] who reported that, the addition of anise oil and essential oil Shuwaili et al. [35] who reported no marked effect on creatinine
mix (Herbomix®) to diets had positive effects on carcass yield in level when 0.25% garlic, ginger, combination of garlic-ginger and
broilers. In addition, Goodarzi and Nanekarani [29] recorded 5% spices of garlic, ginger, and cinnamon were respectively fed
significant effect only on abdominal fat when 1% and 2% onion to broilers and turkeys. The present results contradicts the
extracts were introduced in the drinking water of broiler findings of Kana et al. [11, 36] who respectively reported a
chickens. marked (p<0.05) increase in creatinine content with 0.4% D.
glomerata and Afrostyrax lepidophyllus (bark and combination
In the present study, with the exception of PCV which was
of fruit-bark) in broiler chickens.
significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to the negative control
treatment, all other haematological parameters of quails were The serum content in urea and total protein were not affected
not significant among treatments. Haematological parameters in by the supplementation of feed and drinking water with D.
feeding regimes had an upward trend compared to the negative glomerata. This suggests that the inclusion of D. glomerata fruit
control treatment. This might be due to the absence of toxic powder in quail’s diet does not have harmful effects on kidney
substances like alkaloids and tannins in the spice which did not function (serum rate of urea) and the immune system (serum
provoke a counteraction of the immune system which could protein rate). This is in accordance with the findings of Al-
markedly decrease WBC, RBC, Hgb and PCV. Also, Oleforuh- Shuwaili et al. [35] which showed that incorporating ginger,
Okoleh et al. [10] and Islam et al. [30] reported that an increase garlic and cinnamon in turkey’s ration had no marked effects on
in RBC, Hgb and PCV contents in blood is an indication of total protein level. This result contradicts the results of Ngouana
improved oxygen carrying capacity of the cells which translates a et al. [37] which revealed that, the incorporation of essential oils
better availability of nutrients to the birds consequently encapsulated in chitosan and charcoal in broilers feed increased
affecting their wellbeing. This corroborates the findings of Onu the serum content in total protein and serum urea levels.
[31] who observed no significant effects on WBC, RBC, Hgb,
The level of serum cholesterol, high density lipoproteins and
MCV, MCH and MCHC when 0.25% garlic, ginger and a
low density lipoproteins were not affected by dietary
combination of garlic-ginger were incorporated in finisher
treatments. This contradicts the results of Ali et al. [38] who
broiler’s feed. In addition, Parthasarathi et al. [32] recorded a
reported that the addition of thyme in the diet of chicken
marked increase in PCV and no significant effect on MCV and
induced a significant decrease in the serum content in HDL-
MCH when 1% ginger, garlic and equal combination of ginger-
cholesterol and total cholesterol. Meanwhile, feeding quails with
garlic powder were added in Japanese quail’s feed. The present
D. glomerata inclusion in water markedly increased serum
results are in contradiction with the findings of Al-Kassie et al.
content in triglycerides compared to the negative control
[33] who observed a significant decrease in WBC, RBC, Hgb and
treatment. This could be explained by the ability of the spice to
PCV when 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% hot red pepper was
increase the secretion of bile salts which would have led to a
introduced in broiler’s diet compared to the negative control
better digestion of dietary lipids. This result is in agreement with
diet. Furthermore, Oleforuh-Okoleh et al. [10] reported a
the findings of Bolukbasi et al. [39] who reported that essential
significant increase in WBC, RBC and Hgb compared to the
oil of thyme leads to an increase in the triglyceride level in
negative control treatment when 50 ml ginger, garlic and a
broiler chickens.
combination of ginger-garlic were incorporated in broiler’s
drinking water. The numbers of lactic bacteria count (beneficial bacteria)
were higher than E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus
The serum contents in ALAT (alanine amino-transferase) and
(pathogenic bacteria) counts. This could be explain by the
ASAT (aspartate amino-transferase) were not significantly
presence of substances like phenols in spices which promote the
affected by the incorporation of D. glomerata powder in feed or
development of lactic bacteria. Also, antimicrobial property of
water suggesting that D. glomerata had no negative effect on
the spice is considered to arise from phenols, flavonoids [40]
the liver. This might be due to the hepato-protectory effects of
and hydrophobic essential oil present in spices and plants that
the substances present in the studied spice. This results agrees
intrude into the bacterial cell membrane, disintegrate the
with the findings of Kana et al. [11] which revealed that, the
membrane structure and cause leakage thus making microbes
incorporation of 0.2 and 0.4% D. glomerata in the diet of
less virulent [7,23]. More to that, phenolic compounds act by
broilers did not significantly affect serum content in ASAT and
forming complexes with several proteins causing the destruction
ALAT. This observation contradicted the finding of Rehman et al.
of microbe’s membrane rendering unavailable certain substrates
[34] who reported that feeding broiler with a mixture of
for microbes [40]. Moreover, Guo et al. [41] stated that spices
aqueous extracts of medicinal plants induced a reduction in
and plant extracts leads to a decrease in the number of harmful
ALAT and ASAT ratios. This contradiction can be due to the
microorganisms while at the same time increase the number of
multitude of the active compounds in the mixture of the
beneficial microorganisms. This result agrees with the findings of
extracts used by these authors which could have affected liver
El-Shenway and Ali [42] who observed an increase in lactic
function.
bacteria population in the intestine of healthy quails. The
Creatinine level had an upward trend with D. glomerata suppression of harmful microorganisms (E. coli and Salmonella)
compared to the negative and positive control treatments. This resulted to better growth and metabolism of beneficial microbes
might be as a result of the absence of bioactive substances like although not significant. Antimicrobial activity of natural
alkaloids and tannins in the spice that can be harmful to the extracts and compressed oils are closely linked with their
kidney. This result agrees with the findings of Onu [31] and Al- polyphenolic content [43]. Therefore, plants or their extracts

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 Journal of Animal Research and Nutrition 2018
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easily, they must have access to their nutritional requirements Health 3: 116-123.
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