MVSc

The study was designed to assess the effect of Emblica
officinalis on hepatic function in broiler chicken and to evaluate
its efficacy as a feed additive. The liver of birds are exposed to
various hepatotoxins present in feed, like added feed additives,
antibiotics in excess as well fl-s mycotoxins like aflatoxin. The
protection afforded by Emblica against these was studied.
Fifty-four day old broiler chicks were divided into three
groups of two replicates each. Group I (Control group) was given
normal commercial feed, groups II and III were given amla at one
per cent and two per cent levels respectively, for eight weeks
along with the control feed. Body weight gain, feed efficiency, feed
analysis, haemogram, serum profile, liver weight and gross and
histopathological changes in liver were studied.
A gradual reduction in body weight gain, was noted in the
control group birds, when compared to the amla fed birds.
Group II and III birds recorded a better FCR, when compared to
group I birds.
Proximate analysis of the feed indicated normal chemical
composition of feed. Analysis for aflatoxin content revealed the
presence of toxin in the range of 100-150 ppb in the starter and
150-200 ppb in the finisher feeds. The toxicopathological

changes induced by the control feed, may be attributed to the
presence of toxins in the feed.
The toxicopathological changes in the birds were found to
be lowered in its intensity in relation with the level of amla, with
the most severe changes in the control group birds. Values of
hemoglobin, PCV, total leucocyte, lymphocyte and heterophil
count, total serum protein and albumin showed a decrease,
whereas the ESR and the serum enzyme levels showed an
increase in the control group birds.
The gross and histopathological changes induced by the
toxin, were reduced in the amla treated groups in a dose



dependent manner.


Degenerative and necrotic lesions and



chronic fibrous tissue proliferation, bile duct proliferation and
biliary hyperplasia were noted. Regenerative and repair processes
were also well pronounced.
The toxicopathological changes, induced by the toxin, was
significantly reduced by Emblica officinalis, especially at two per
cent level. Toxic contamination of commercial feed especially with
aflatoxin is very common in Kerala. Considering this and the
results of the present study, it can be concluded that Emblica
officinalis has got significant hepatoprotective activity and can be
used as an effective feed additive in commercial livestock feed.