EFFECT OF BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM L.) ON COCCIDIAL INFECTION IN BROILER CHICKS

This study was conducted to determine the effect of basil (Ocimium basilicum L.) and the beneficial inclusion level in broiler chicks coccidial infection. The study was carried out with two hundred and forty chicks for three weeks. The experimental design was a split-plot laid out in Completely Randomized Design. The main polt factors were dry and fresh basil while the sub-plot factors were different basil inclusion levels of 0.0g, 0.5g, 1.0g, 1.5g and 2.0g basil/kg feed andwater -l. The sub-plot treatments were 180 coccidia challenged chicks replicated thrice with 10 chicks /replicate treated with basil while the control experiment had 60 unchallenged and untreated chicks. Data were collected onlive performance, haematology and oocyst count andwere analysed statistically using One way analysis of variance and means separated using Duncan's multiple range test. Feed intake and mortality were not statistically (P>0.05) different while feed conversion ratio and live weight were significantly (P<0.05) different. Haematological parameters were all significantly (P<0.05) different. Oocyst count was also significantly (P<0.05) different. This study recommends prophylactic dose of 5g and a curative dose of 15g basil in feed or in water.