Ameliorating effects of silymarin against mycotoxin and its effect on some production and hematological parameters of broilers

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of silymarin (Silybum Marianum) on some productions and Hematological parameters of broilers. A total of 160 chicks (Ross-308) at one day old were used in this study, randomly distributed to four equal groups (40 chicks / group) with two replicates of each replicate. The first group was fed on a basal diet. The second group fed on contaminated diet with mycotoxins. The third group fed on basal diet with 0.5% Silymarin/ kg feed. The fourth group fed on contaminated diet with mycotoxins + 0.5% Silymarin/ kg feed. Production traits were calculated weekly, and blood samples were collected at 35 days for haematological tests. The results showed superior significant differences (P≤0.01) in live body weight, weekly weight gain and improvement in feed consumption, and feeds conversion ratio of the 3rd group as compared with the other groups as well as significant increased (P≤0.01) in WBC, RBC and PCV% compared with the 2nd and 4th groups. In conclusion, the supplementation of Silymarin (Silybum Marianum) by 0.5% / kg feed had minimized the adverse effects of toxins contaminated feed on the performance of broilers.