Studies on the effects of methanolic extracts of wild melon (Adenopus breviflorus) on growth response, odour and disease control protocols of finishing broilers

This study evaluated the impact of methanolic extracts from wild melon (Adenopus breviflorus) on growth performance, odour and disease control protocols in broilers. The experiment lasted for 42 days, in which 84 broilers were randomly assigned into four treatment groups. Each treatment was further replicated three times, with seven birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Control group (T1) received all the necessary routine vaccination throughout their growth stages. Birds on T2, T3, and T4 were given 0.10g of methanolic extract of A. breviflorus in 10mls, 20mls, and 30mls of distilled water respectively. The result revealed that A. breviflorus were able to significantly (p < 0.05) improve the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of the birds on the treatment groups. Odour control parameters showed significant reduction in some odour control parameters, and in disease management, helminthes and Newcastle disease were absent in T1 and T2 while being negligible in T3 and T4 in the experiment. Coccidiosis was absent in all treatments except T4 where it was slightly present. Microbes were present in all treatment groups. In conclusion, the study has revealed that methanolic extracts of A. breviflorus was able to enhance growth performance of the broilers while improving odour control protocols and effectively managing disease incidence.