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A study was conducted during the months of December-January involving
sixty one week old broiler chickens, distributed into two experimental groups
having three replicates of ten birds each. The birds of the first group were
fed a basal diet (22.5% CP & 2830 K cal/kg ME) while the second group birds
were fed a basal diet supplemented with a liver tonic, Superliv concentrate
(Ayurvet Limited product) @ 50g/quintal. Body weight gain was significantly
higher (P<0.05) in the Superliv concentrate group compared to the control
group at 2nd week, 3rd week, 4th week and 5th
week of age. FCR was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the Superliv concentrate
group than control group during 1-4 wk period (1.9 vs 2.1) and 1-6 wk period
(1.97 vs 2.17). Total immunoglobulins and mercaptoethanol resistant (IgG) antibody
titer (log 2) values in response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was significantly
higher (P<0.05) in the Superliv concentrate group compared to the control
group. Further, mercaptoethanol sensitive (IgM) antibody titer (log 2) values
in response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were apparently higher in the Superliv
concentrate group compared to the control group. Cell mediated immune (CMI)
response (foot web index) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the Superliv
concentrate group compared to the control group. There was no significant difference
in the nutrient retention between the Superliv concentrate group and control
group. Hence, it may be concluded that Superliv concentrate may be added to
broiler diet during winter to elicit growth performance and immunocompetence
traits of commercial broilers.