G. Elaiyaraja1, K. Dhama*2, M. Asokumar2, M. Palanivelu2, Yashpal S. Malik3, Swati Sachan1, M. Gopi4, Narayanan Krishnaswamy5 and Deepak Kumar6

1Immunology Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, 2 Avian Diseases Section, Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, 3Division of Biological Standardization, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute 4Division of Physiology and Reproduction, ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute 5Division of Animal Reproduction, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute 6Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh – 243 122, India.

Received on 18 April 2016 and accepted on 09 June 2016

 

ABSTRACT

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) causes an acute and highly contagious viral infection in poultry, which is highly immunosuppressive and increases susceptibility to various opportunistic pathogens. Various immunomodulators including herbs have gained wide attention in poultry production with their multiple health beneficial effects. The present study reports the effect of Aloe vera gel extract on the haematological parameters in IBDV vaccinated white leghorn chicks. Specific pathogen free (SPF) day old chicks (n=48) were divided into four groups viz., Group A (Control), B (Aloe vera), C (IBDV vaccinated), and D (IBDV vaccinated + Aloe vera). The 3% Aloe vera gel extract was given in water from day one to entire study period of 45 days. Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals to assess different haematological parameters like WBC, heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH and MCHC. Group D chicks showed significantly (P<0.05) higher WBC and lymphocyte counts than other groups at all intervals tested. PCV, MCV and MCH did not differ significantly. The groups B, C and D showed higher (P<0.05) haematological values compared to control. The Aloe vera increased the leukocytes count in both vaccinated and unvaccinated chicks thereby stimulating non-specific immune response. This is the first report of the use of Aloe vera in relation to poultry vaccinated with IBDV, further studies could reflect its potential use as an additive in poultry ration to achieve better production and to boost immune status of poultry against infectious diseases.

Keywords :

 Aloe vera, hematological parameters, infectious bursal disease virus, vaccination, immunomodulation, white leghorn chicks.