The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has recorded another research breakthrough, with findings indicating the potential of African Parquetina (Parquetina nigrescens) as a plant-based alternative to conventional antibiotics in poultry production.
The findings were presented by Dr. Wuraola Adegun during a research presentation titled, “Does African Parquetina (Parquetina nigrescens) Possess Haematopoietic and Antimicrobial Properties on Salmonella Typhimurium-Challenged Broiler Chickens?”
The presentation was held on October 6th, 2026, at the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) Laboratory and chaired by Prof. Olubukola Adenubi, a distinguished authority in Veterinary Pharmacology.
Dr. Adegun explained that the study was prompted by the increasing prevalence of bacterial infections, particularly Salmonella, in poultry production, as well as growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance arising from the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in livestock production.
She said P. nigrescens contains bioactive phytochemicals, including saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides, which may contribute to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.
The study, which involved 320 broiler chicks, evaluated the in-vitro and in-vivo antimicrobial activity of the plant extract, its effects on haematological parameters and its influence on gastrointestinal microbial populations in Salmonella Typhimurium-challenged birds.
According to the findings, P. nigrescens inhibited Salmonella Typhimurium in vitro, with the level of inhibition increasing at higher concentrations of the extract.
Dr. Adegun also reported that administration of the extract influenced red and white blood cell counts, neutrophils, lymphocytes and other haematological parameters, indicating its potential effects on blood formation and immune response.
She further noted that the extract reduced microbial loads under certain administration conditions, stressing that the route and frequency of administration were important factors in determining its effectiveness.
Dr. Adegun concluded that the plant demonstrated considerable potential as a low-cost phytobiotic for managing bacterial infections in broiler chickens. She, however, called for further research to establish its safety, appropriate dosage and practical application in poultry production.
In his closing remarks, the Director of IFSERAR, Prof. Kazeem Bello, commended Dr. Adegun for the quality of her presentation and challenged her to advance the research by developing P. nigrescens into a feed-grade product that would be convenient for farmers to use.
Prof. Bello also encouraged collaboration among small-ruminant researchers to explore similar applications of the plant in sheep and goats.
He disclosed that the Institute would record its recent research presentations for broadcast on FUNAAB Radio 89.5FM with the aim of making its research outputs accessible to a wider audience.
The IFSERAR Director further urged Research Fellows to take advantage of the Institute’s two-week open call for proposals by submitting multidisciplinary research projects capable of advancing its research mandate.
The research highlights FUNAAB’s continued efforts to develop sustainable agricultural solutions aimed at improving food security, animal health and responsible production practices.
