Evaluation of acute oral toxicity of a natural growth promoter for poultry

Abstract

Minimizing the use of antibiotics is a major concern of poultry producers, largely due to increase in antibiotic resistance, and phytobiotics are gaining popularity as natural replacer of antibiotic growth promoter in broilers. Nbiotic™ (M/s Ayurvet Limited, India) is a complete herbal growth promoter for poultry. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Nbiotic™ to elicit acute oral toxicity as per OECD 423 guidelines. Three female Wistar rats were used for the study, where each animal served as its own control. Following the oral administration of the test substance, the animals were observed for the manifestation of toxic effects and mortality. No toxic effects or mortalities were observed till day 14 of administration and Nbiotic™ was found safe for oral use.