Effect of the long-term feeding of andrographis paniculata nees on reproductive performance of pigeons

This study was performed to know the effects of the long-term use of the dried powder of A. paniculata on reproductive attributes of pigeons, and to know whether this herbal powder can be used as a dietary supplement to pigeon. Oral administration of the low dose of this herbal powder (50mg/day) slightly enhanced the growth and reproductive capabilities of pigeon over the control. However, its higher doses (150mg & 200mg/ day) have delayed the maturation period from 180±12 to 199±16 days, reduced the number of egg cycles from 4±1to 3±0 per year, reduced the number of eggs from 8.00±2.0 to 2.25±0.11/pair/ year, extended the interval between the first and second eggs of a brood from 34±4 -37±3 to 36±3 - 39±3 hours, reduced the egg weight from 14.44±1. 2 to 13.32±1.1 g, reduced the percentage of fertile eggs from 82.7 - 82.2% to 82.2 - 74.4%, reduced the eggs’ hatchability from 82.7±1. 1 to 74.4±1.4, reduced the weight gain of young squabs compared to control group, and increased the squab mortality from 39.9±2.17 to 49.7±4.17% in pigeons. These negative effects appeared even in the second year but well characterized enough to reduce the fertility of pigeons in the 3rd year. Therefore, this study concludes that this herbal powder is, although a good immunostimulant, not suited to use as a dietary supplement to pigeon.