World Applied Sciences Journal 19 (6): 800-805, 2012 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2012 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2012.19.06.827 Corresponding Author: F.R.K. Bonsu, Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana. Tel: +233-208121420, Fax: +233-3222022232. 800 Medicinal Response of Broiler Chickens to Diets Containing Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Meal, Haematology and Meat Sensory Analysis F.R.K. Bonsu, J.K. Kagya-Agyemang, W.K.J. Kwenin and H.K. Zanu Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana Abstract: The medicinal response, haematological parameters and meat sensory analysis of broilers to diets containing neem leaf meal (NLM) were studied in an 8-week trial. The experiment was in two phases: growing chicks phase (0-3 week) and finisher phase (4-8 weeks). In phase I, a total of 400 day-old unsexed cobb hybrid broiler chicks were randomly allotted in equal numbers to 4 treatments. Forty five chicks from each treatment were wing tagged to form 3 replicates of 15 chicks each. In phase 2, 180 birds were allotted to the 4-treatments which had 3 replicates made up of 15 birds each in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Four starter diets and finisher diets were formulated to contain the NLM at 0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5% dietary levels and were fed ad libitum in phases 1 and 2 respectively. Results showed that feed intake in both phases were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by inclusion of the NLM in the diets. Body weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) depressed in birds fed the NLM diets when compared with the control which adversely affected the conversion efficiency ratio. The NLM inclusion controlled coccidiosis, worm infestation and respiratory infections effectively in those birds fed the NLM diets compared with the control. Carcass characteristics were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the NLM although mild bitter taste was sensed in the 2.5% inclusion level when the meat was not salted. The general haematological data was not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the NLM. However, white blood cells (WBC) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the control compared with those birds fed the NLM diets. Total profit was relatively higher for birds fed the NLM diets when compared with the control diet. It was concluded that NLM can be a good herbal medicine for broiler production aside its nutritional importance. Key words: Antimicrobial resistance Neem leaf meal Herbal medicine Chemical- free production INTRODUCTION Attempts at addressing these challenges have The importance of poultry industry to the socio- resources and herbal medicine motivated by recent economic development of any country cannot be consumer preference towards chemical- free production. overemphasized as a result of its ability to provide animal The neem (Azadirachta indica) belonging to the protein at a relatively shorter duration at reasonable cost Meliaceae family and a fast growing evergreen tree to the consumer. However, in most developing countries, has a potential to provide medicinal and nutritive the rate of population growth has not corresponded with value to broilers [3]. Various parts of the tree have the growth of the poultry industry and therefore raises been reported to contain chemicals like azadiractin, food security concerns. The growth and expansion of the nimbin, nimbindin, quercetin among others [4-6] industry is confronted by high cost of feed and drugs [1] which have antimicrobial, antihelminth, antioxidant, and their occasional shortages. Additionally, the use of antifungal, insecticidal, antiprotozoa and spermicidal [7] antimicrobial agents as growth promotants are being properties. discouraged due to human and animal health issues This experiment was conducted to investigate the mainly resulting from development of antimicrobial medicinal value of neem leaf meal (NLM) in controlling resistance [2]. coccidiosis, respiratory infections and worm infestation focused on exploitation of non- conventional feed