Berberis lycium reduces Serum Cholesterol in Broiler: An extensive work on the affect of Berberis lycium on the growth, immunity, liver function and serum cholesterol levels in broilers

Berberis lycium, was investigated for its effect on broiler chicks. In Exp-I rations containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% B lycium were given to 240 broiler chicks. Serum cholesterol and LDL decreased with increasing B lycium up to 2% (p<0.05) while HDL increased. For Exp-II B lycium was fed in ration @ 0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.25%. Vaccination effected weight of spleen at day-35. During initial stages IBD and ND vaccine had no effect on weight of thymus. In Exp- III aqueous extract of B lycium was given to broiler. B lycium infusion was effective in reducing serum cholesterol (P<0.001) and was lower for group- C. Serum triglyceride level had a diminishing trend with increased level of B lycium in group-C. B lycium infusion did not affect HDL level in serum, however LDL was significantly (P<0.001) affected and was lower in group-C. It was concluded that Berberis lycium added to feed at the rate of 2% or watered as aqueous extract at the rate of 1% can be used in broiler production for optimum performance from economic point of view, for reducing serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL and improving immunity against IBD and ND.