The effect of the Stevia rebaudiana Morita II on the warts caused by fowl pox in Meleagris gallopavo as model study

Abstract

Objective: The objective in this research was to evaluate the effect of leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Morita II on swelling caused by fowl pox in backyard turkeys of the Meleagris gallopavo species.

Design/methodology/approach: Different percentages of ground stevia leaves (5.5, 15, 20 and 25%) combined with ground corn were evaluated and the reduction of avian pox in turkeys was evaluated.

Results: The diet with 5% stevia leaves with corn was the most accepted combination by the turkeys; it also leads to immunomodulation to eliminate avian pox in a period of 30 days.

Limitations on study/implications: One of the main limitations is the production of stevia matter, however, due to the required amount, it has the possibility of being applied in the feeding of these animals, this study has applications in animal health and food safety in turkeys.

Findings/conclusions: The use of stevia in combination with corn could represent a natural alternative for the treatment of fowl pox and be profitable enough to prevent the death of turkeys.