Efficacy of ‘Actovet-CRD’ a Novel Herbal Formulation as Prophylactic and Therapeutic Agent for CRD Complex in Poultry

Actovet CRD (A.CRD) is a blend of ayurvedic herbs (Glycorrhyza glabra, Adhatoda vasika, Pipper longum, Abis Webbiana, Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa etc) which have known therapeutic effect on respiratory system and other systemic diseases with positive effect to boost immunity. To find the efficacy of A.CRD and to optimize its level of supplementation against the chronic respiratory disease (CRD) three age groups of broilers viz., 0 day, 14 day and 28 day representing the age groups of 0-2 weeks (T1), 2-4 weeks (T2) and > 4 weeks (T3) of age respectively were isolated for the experiment from a large size group of birds from each of five farmers. The results of the trial indicated that A.CRD improved the body weight gain, survivability, haemoglobin, PCV, total protein levels significantly (P?0.05). The symptoms of the CRD in the infected birds subsided within a week period of treatment. The birds stopped gasping, rales and other symptoms of the CRD within 4-7 days of treatment at all therapeutic dosage levels. The results indicated that the birds of age group T1, T2 and T3 should be supplemented with A.CRD at the rate of 10, 20 and 40 ml/100 birds respectively. The birds did not show any symptoms of drowsiness, off feed which is usually observed in antibiotic treatment. The results showed that A.CRD can replace antibiotic therapy. Hence, this herbal formulation can be used for prevention and treatment of CRD and a suitable supplement for organic poultry farming.