EFFECT OF EUPHORBIA INGENS ON NEWCASTLE DISEASE IN LOCAL CHICKENS.
Kaoma, CH., Chiteta, K.
Abstract
The effect of Euphorbia Ingem (Giant Cactus) on Newcastle
disease in local chickens was studied in an On-Parm experiment. The branches
of the cactus were pounded, mixed with water and. thereafter left overnight.
The mixture was then sieved and the liquid solution given to chickens before
or during NCD outbreaks. The criterion of response was mortality. The addition
of cactus had a beneficial effect on the health status of local birds. As compared
with the control group, mortality of local chickens reduced m all the cactus
treated groups. The rate of reduction ranged between 38,4% for chickens given
cactus during NCD outbreak as a therapeutic measure and 100% for chickens given
cactus before the outbreak of NCD as a prophylactic measure. It is concluded
that reduction in mortality by the inclusion of cactus is a result of an increase
in the immunity of local chickens.
Key words:
Euphorbia Ingens (Giant Cactus), Newcastle Disease,
Local Chickens, Mortality, Immunity