Effect of replacement concentrate by hybrid Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves on growth performance and anthelminthic properties of indigenous sheep

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of hybrid Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves as a substitute to concentrate on growth performance and anthelmintic characteristics of indigenous sheep. After completing the quarantine period twelve indigenous male sheep with an initial mean body weight of 12 ±1.0 kg (means ± SD) were allotted through Completely Randomized Design to 4 treatments and 3 replicates. The supplement feed was offered at 300 g DM/ (animal•d). The experimental treatments were 300gm concentrate mixture (CM), 250gm CM + 50gm neem leaf meal (NLM), 200gm CM + 100gm NLM, 150gm CM + 150gm NLM supplement. The live weight of sheep was determined by digital weighing balance weekly up to 8 weeks. Fecal egg count was conducted by McMaster egg count technique by using 3gm feces sample weekly 2 times up to 8 weeks. There was found higher average daily body weight gain & the FCR value in neem fed group compared to the control group. Besides, there was found drastic reduction in fecal egg count on T4 treatment that was fed higher neem leaf compare to other treatments