Effect of Withania somnifera on Monocrotophos toxicity in commercial Poultry

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the protective efficacy of aqueous extracts of root and leaves of W.somnifera (Ashwagandha) against monocrtophos toxicity in broilers. Seventy two day old broiler chicks, were divided randomly and equally into six groups viz. Group I (Untreated Control), group II(MCP Control), W. somnifera root extract was given daily@ 100 and 300(mg/kg b.wt., orally) to group III and IV respectively in drinking water, W. somnifera leaf extract was given daily@ 100 and 300(mg/kg b.wt., orally)to group V and VI respectively in drinking water. On 21 day group II,III, IV, V andVI were administered single oral dose of MCP @ 1.34mg/Kg b.wt.(1/5th of LD50). There was no significant difference in haematological parameters in any of the experimental groups of birds after 1 day of single monocrotophos treatment except TEC which was significantly reduced in group II in comparison to group I birds. After 7 days there was a significant (P