The effect of using different levels of portulaca Oleracea seed on growth performance, immune system and some blood parameters of broiler chicken

This study was done to evaluate the effect of using different levels of Portulaca Oleracea seed on growth performance, immune system and some blood parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 160 one day old broiler chicks (Ross 308 commercial strain) was used in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 4 replicates and 10 chicks in each replicate. Experimental diets include Portulaca Oleracea seed at the levels of 0, 2, 5/2, 5 and 5/7 percent. To evaluate the humoral immune system, 1 ml of SRBC (%10) was injected to 2 chicks in each replicate and blood samples collected from wing vein on 35, 42 d. Birds vaccinated against bronchitis, Newcastle and Gambaro diseases. The blood samples of 42 d were used for measuring blood parameters. Body organs were studied as percentage of body weight on 42 d. The results showed that Portulaca Oleracea seed increased body weight and feed intake of broiler chickens at growth, finisher and whole period of rearing (P<0.05). There was no difference among birds IgY titer. Feed conversion ratio improved with Portulaca Oleracea seed at the level of 2/5 percent in all experimental periods (P<0.05). The weight of bursa of fabricius and other body organs was not different in all groups at 42 d. Using different levels of Portulaca Oleracea seed in experimental diets had not significant effect on antibody titer against SRBC, blood hematocrit, triglyceride, ALP, AST, ALT enzymes and blood calcium, but it increased blood cholesterol concentration (P<0.05).