Present paper describes the immunostimulatory and growth promoting effects of some sugar cane extracts (SCEs) in broiler chickens. Aqueous extract (AE) from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) juice and ethanolic extract (EE) from bagasse were used to demonstrate their effects on lymphoproliferative responses to Phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) and Concanavalin-A (Con-A); antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs); growth rate and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in experimental chickens as compared to control. Results showed significantly higher (P<0.05) in vitro and in vivo lymphoproliferative responses to Con-A and PHA-P, respectively in chickens administered with SCEs as compared to those in control group. Further, significantly higher (P<0.05) lymphoproliferative responses were detected in chickens administered with EE as compared to chickens administered with AE. Anti-SRBC total Igs, IgG and IgM titers were significantly higher (P<0.05) in chickens of experimental groups administered with SCEs as compared to those of control group; whereas titers were comparable among the experimental groups. The organ-body weight ratios of lymphoid organs were statistically similar in experimental and control groups. Both the experimental groups administered with SCEs showed better FCR and significantly higher (P<0.05) weight gains as compared to control. In conclusion, oral administration of SCEs showed immunostimulatory effects in broiler chickens and resulted in improved feed utilization and decreased amount of food needed for unit gain in body weight.

Key words: Chickens, Growth promoter, Immunostimulation, Saccharum officinarum