Basil Leaf Extract (Ocimum americanum L.) as a Natural Anticoccidial Agent: Impacts on Body Weight and Cecal Histopathology in Chickens
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24114/tz0v8w96Keywords:
Basil, Ocimum americanum L., native chicken, Eimeria tenella, Cecal histopathology, ImmunomodulatorAbstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of basil leaf extract (Ocimum americanum L.) on body weight and cecal histopathology in native chickens infected with Eimeria tenella. Eimeria tenella is recognized as one of the most pathogenic Eimeria species in poultry and is responsible for coccidiosis characterized by severe cecal lesions, including hemorrhage, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration (Chapman, 2014; Koutny et al., 2021). Basil leaves were selected because they contain phytochemical compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils with potential antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities (Dwivedi et al., 2021; Kadhim & Abbas, 2023). The experiment employed a completely randomized design consisting of five treatment groups: a negative control, a positive control, and three basil extract treatments at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.20%. Parameters observed included body weight and cecal histopathological changes. The results demonstrated that basil extract administration influenced the cecal condition of infected chickens, with the 0.10% dose producing the most favorable outcomes compared with the other doses. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of oocysts, necrosis, macrophage infiltration, inflammation, and hemorrhage in infected chickens; however, the severity of lesions varied among treatments. These findings indicate that basil leaf extract has potential as a natural supplement to support the health of native chickens
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