1.1 Background to the Study.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) is an indigenous plant of Asian sub continent known for its useful medicinal properties since ancient times. Neem has attracted world wide prominence due to it's vast range of medicinal properties like anti bacterial, antiviral, anti fungal, anti protozoal, hepato protective and various other properties without showing any adverse effects. (Kale et al., 2003). It also promotes growth and feeds efficiency of birds because of its anti bacterial and hepato protective properties ( padalwar,1994).
Broilers are a gallinaceous domesticated fowl, bred and raised specifically for meat production (kruchten, 2002). They are a hybrid of the egg - laying chicken, both being sub species of the red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus). Most commercial broilers reach slaughter weight between five to seven weeks of age (Turner et al., 2005). Although slower growing breeds reach slaughter weight at approximately fourteen weeks of age. Due to artificial selection for rapid early growth and the husbandry used to sustain this, broilers are susceptible to several concerns particularly skeletal malformation and dysfunction, skin and eye lesions and congestive heart (Alchetron, 2016). The breeding stock grow to maturity and beyond but also have welfare issues related to the frustration of a high feed motivation and beak trimming (Gentle and M.J. 2011).
1.2 Statement of the problem
Due to the disadvantages like high cost of, adverse side effects on health of birds and long residual properties of many synthetic drugs and growth promoters supplemented to the broilers to effect rapid growth. Scientists are concentrating on the use of our ancient medicinal system to find beneficial herbs and plants such as neem leaf which can be safely used to increase the production ( Alok et al., 2009).
1.3 Objective of the Study
The major objective of this research work is to determine the effect of neem leaf in broilers feed at week six.
1.4 Research Questions
In order to achieve the objective stated above, the following research questions were used as a guide in achieving the objective of the research.
1. What is neem leaf?
2. What is the health benefit of neem leaf?
3. Why do we need to incorporate neem leaf in to the broiler feed?
4. What is the effect of neem leaf in the broiler feed?
5. What quantity of neem leaf is required?
1.5 Significance of the study
This study gives a clear insight into the effect of neem leaves in the broilers feed. The study also gives a clear insight into the adequate dosage of neem leaves required for the broilers feed. The findings and recommendations of the researcher will help poultry farmers (broiler breeders) know the benefits of adding neem leaf to broilers feed at week 6 which is a slaughter age.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This research focuses mainly on the effect of neem leaf in broilers feed at week six.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
The limitations of this study is the procurement of the quantity of neem leaf required for the research.
