Augmenting avian immunity naturally: A comprehensive evaluation of the immunomodulatory efficacy of Tephrosia purpurea extract in broiler chickens

Abstract

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of methanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea in broiler chickens. Day-old broiler chicks of Vencobb strain (n = 36) were randomly allocated into three experimental groups with three replicates per group and four birds per replicate (two each for cell-mediated and humoral immune response evaluation). The treatments consisted of: basal diet (Control), basal diet supplemented with Lincomycin @ 0.05% w/w (Standard), and basal diet with methanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea @ 0.04% w/v administered through drinking water (Test). Cell-mediated immune response was assessed using the 2, 4-Dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) skin sensitization test, while humoral immune response was evaluated through the micro-haemagglutination assay against sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Haematological indices, including total and differential leukocyte counts, along with immune organ weight factors, were correlated with immune responsiveness. The findings demonstrated that supplementation with Tephrosia purpurea extract significantly enhanced both cellular and humoral immune responses in broiler birds, suggesting its promising potential as a phytogenic immunomodulator in poultry production systems.