Effects of methanol leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale treatment on the hematology of chickens infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most important diseases of poultry worldwide. The aims of this study was to investigate the effects of methanol leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale (MLEAO) on the hematology of chickens infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus (vNDV). A total of 200 6-week-old cockerels, randomly assigned to eight groups (A, B, C, D, E. F, G, and H) of 25 each, were used for the study. Groups A, B, and C chickens (prophylactic groups) were drenched orally with MLEAO at the doses of 300, 150, and 75 mg/kg body weight, respectively for 7 days before challenge with vNDV. Chickens in all groups, except group H, were then challenged with vNDV. When clinical signs of Newcastle disease appeared, groups D, E, and F chickens (therapeutic groups) were drenched with 300, 150, and 75 mg/kg MLEAO, respectively for 7 days. Group G was untreated but challenged while group H was untreated and unchallenged. Hematological evaluations followed standard procedures. The study showed that prophylactic treatment at 300, 150, and 75 mg/kg and therapeutic treatment at 300 mg/kg led to significant ( p < 0.05) higher white blood cell count but prophylactic treatment at 300 mg/kg, led to significantly ( p < 0.05) lowering of the erythrocytic profile. It was concluded that prophylactic administration of Anacardium occidentale leaf extract at all doses as used in this study and its therapeutic administration at 300 mg/kg enhanced white blood cell mobilization and response to challenge with vNDV infection in chickens.