Determination of the effect of neem leaf (Azadirachta indica L) essential oil to the survival rate, fecalysis, biochemistry, blood hematology, and potential pathogens of Philippine native chicken

Jaime C. Cabarles Jr., Mylyn Poral, Vincent Anthony Militante, Danna Marie E. Gabasa, Aime Guela Maria D. Moscoso, John C. Capilastique, Luchin Mia Jay Pastrana, and Allyssa M. Depasupil

Abstract

Approximately 33% of the total global meat consumption consists of poultry products, and this figure is increasing. These trends encourage growers to grow more and administer antibiotic growth-promoting compounds to shorten growth periods. This has triggered the development of multidrug-resistant pathogens that threaten industry. In addition, several studies have reported that neem leaf essential oil (NLEO) effectively controls common pathogens in native chickens. However, there have been limited reports of in vivo test results. Therefore, this study was conducted. This study used four free-range native chickens from Oton, Iloilo, and brought them to the Research Center for Philippine Native Chicken for treatment with 85% NLEO. Fecal, microbial, and blood tests were performed one day before and one week after the introduction of treatment. The results showed 100% survival in native chickens treated with NLEO. Moreover, the parasitic egg count in feces decreased after treatment. Biochemical parameters included albumin (0.276–0.907 mg/dL), total protein (0.539–0.529 mg/dL), creatinine (6.516–5.876 mg/dL), glucose (175.668–179.123μg/dL), uric acid (0.053–0.054μg/dL), cholesterol (0.401–0.407μg/L), triglycerides (0.102–0.131μg/L), AST (377.945–199.507μg/L), and ALT (2404.919–4256.304μg/L). Furthermore, the average blood hematological analysis showed varying results in the pre-and post-collection blood samples. WBC had 156.55 to 145.60x10^12/L; LYM, 84.775 to 87.00%; RBC, 3.475 to 3.133x10^12/L; HGB, 16.175 to 14.45g/dL; HCT, 33.375 to 30.40%, MCV, 96.225 to 97.125IL; MCH, 46.475 to 48.375pg, and MCHC, 48.375 to 47.475g/dL. Most of these parameters decreased after NLEO administration, surpassing the reference range. Pathogenic colony-forming units were detected in the three agar bases.

Citation: Zamora, V.T., Mugdan, J.M., Vicentino, N.F.M., Salinas, J.A., Gabasa, D.M.E., and Moscoso, A.G.M. (2024).Determination of the effect of neem leaf (Azadirachta indica L) essential oil on the survival rate, fecalysis, biochemistry, blood hematology, and potential pathogens of Philippine native chickens. Advances in Native Chicken Science, 1(1), 26-35. 

Keywords: Native chickens, Blood biochemistry, Phytobiotics, Blood hematology, Neem leaf essential oil, fecalysis