Received: 27 January 2025 / Accepted: 06 April 2025 / Published Online: 04 May 2025
Abstract
In the present study, Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) was isolated from clinically suspected cases of necrotic enteritis. For this purpose, the intestinal samples collected, after enrichment in thioglycolate broth were inoculated on perfringens-specific media (tryptose sulphite cycloserine agar) in an anaerobic jar having a gas pack. After incubation of 24hrs at 37°C, characteristic black colonies on TSC agar were used for confirmation by gram staining. Molecular confirmation was carried out with species-specific 16 s rRNA primer and DNA was amplified further for different toxin genes i.e. cpa, cpb, etx, iap, cpe, and net B for toxinotyping of C. perfringens. These isolates were further used to induce necrotic enteritis in poultry birds and for this purpose experimental trials were carried out to compare the ameliorative effects of antimicrobial alternatives i.e. Tibetan tea extract, black tea extract. and they were compared with commercial available AGPs. Data was analyzed through analysis of variance (ANOVA) through SAS University Edition. Results of the experimental trial demonstrated that there is a significant improvement in physiological performance and immunity of the birds supplemented with tea extracts and exposed to the NE challenge. The current study finding conclude that the both Tibetan and Black tea extracts can be used separately or in combination for the control of necrotic enteritis in poultry. Tea phenolics have proved their potential as an alternative to antimicrobials and to address antimicrobial resistance in poultry.
