EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF BAMBOO LEAF EXTRACT (BLE) ON INTESTINAL BACTERIAL PROFILE AND DISEASE RESISTANCE OF BILL TRIMMED MULE DUCK

Bamboo leaf extract plays a significant role in enhancing immunity and promotingdisease resistance of birds and can be used as a feed supplement in avian husbandry. Beak trimming causes inflammation reactions and stress, leads to immune suppression and decreases disease resistance. The objectives of the current study were to investigate the effect of the extract of bamboo leaves on the enhancement of stressed bird resistance. Four groups (6 birds per group) were used; group 1: not bill trimmed and fed basal diet only without extract. Group 2: bill trimmed and had only a basal diet without extract. Groups 3 and 4: bill trimmed and fed basal diet plus bamboo extract 1 and 2 g per Kg respectively), a blood sample was collected on day 60 of the experiment to determine the Heterohil / Lymphocyte ratio as an indicator for bird resistance. The total bacterial count of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria wasdetermined. The pathogenic bacteria were isolated and identified by phenotypic examination and were confirmed by PCR. H/L ratio was lower in the bamboo supplied groups (3 & 4) than in groups 1 & 2. The groups (3 & 4) showed a significant increase in Lactobacillus count than groups 1 and 2. The result of the antibacterial test suggested antibacterial action of the extract against the isolated GramGram-negative bacteria more than GramGram-positive bacteria. The current results imply that the bamboo leaf extract could potentially be used as a substitute for synthetic agents that are used to solve bill trimming stress problems.