Tridax procumbens Effects on Lesions, Haematology and Eggs Production of Hens Affected by Fowlpox
T. M. Kpodekon
Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology (LARBA), Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01BP 2009 Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin.
T. J. Dougnon *
Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology (LARBA), Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01BP 2009 Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin.
J. S. E. Goussanou
Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology (LARBA), Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01BP 2009 Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin.
C. Boko
Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology (LARBA), Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01BP 2009 Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The powder of Tridax procumbens was added to hens’ food to assess its effects on fowlpox lesions, hematological parameters and zootechnic parameters. Five batches of ten hens each were installed either in control or in treatment groups. The powder of Tridax procumbens was added to hens’ food using various proportions and different experimental periods. The scabs disappeared on the crests and on wattle of hens fed with Tridax procumbens. The number of red blood cells, haemoglobin content (Hb), average contents in haematocrit (Ht), average corpuscular concentration in haemoglobin (ACCH) and average corpuscular content in haemoglobin (ACCtH) increased while the number of leukocytes decreased. Compared to the control batch, the laying rate increased in the four experimental batches during the first 28 experimental days, when the conversion index decreased.
Keywords: Tridax procumbens, eggs production, haematology, fowlpox