Berberis lycium reduces Serum Cholesterol in Broiler

Berberis lycium, was investigated for its effect on broiler chicks. In Exp-I rations containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% B lycium were given to 240 broiler chicks. Serum cholesterol and LDL decreased with increasing B lycium up to 2% (p0.05) while HDL increased. For Exp-II B lycium was fed in ration @ 0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.25%. Vaccination effected weight of spleen at day-35. During initial stages IBD and ND vaccine had no effect on weight of thymus. In Exp- III aqueous extract of B lycium was given to broiler. B lycium infusion was effective in reducing serum cholesterol (P0.001) and was lower for group- C. Serum triglyceride level had a diminishing trend with increased level of B lycium in group-C. B lycium infusion did not affect HDL level in serum, however LDL was significantly (P0.001) affected and was lower in group-C. It was concluded that Berberis lycium added to feed at the rate of 2% or watered as aqueous extract at the rate of 1% can be used in broiler production for optimum performance from economic point of view, for reducing serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL and improving immunity against IBD and ND.