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Evaluating the influence of Lagenaria breviflora fruit extract on growth performance, hematological parameters, and serum biochemistry in broiler chickens

¹Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dept. of Animal Production and Health, Nigeria
²Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dept. of Microbiology, Nigeria
³Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dept. of Biochemistry, Nigeria
⁴Inst. of Food Security Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (FUNAAB), Nigeria

Abstract

The utilisation of natural supplements in poultry production has gained considerable attention as alternatives to conventional growth promoters and health enhancers. This study investigated the impact of Lagenaria breviflora fruit extract (LBFE) on various parameters of broiler chicken performance and health. 240 day old broilers chicks (Ross 380 strain) were replicated four times with twenty (20) birds per replicate. Layout was Completely Randomised Design and birds in treatment group 1 - control group were administered conventional coccidiostat and antibiotics (5% oxytetracycline hydrochloride at a dosage of 5 g per 4 litres of drinking water). The treatment was labeled- 0g/l LBFE. Birds on treatment group 2 were given dose 300 g/l LBFE thrice a week and birds on treatment group 3 were given dose 500 g/l LBFE thrice a week throughout the experimental period (6 weeks). Growth performance parameters, carcass characteristics, hematological indices, and serum biochemical profiles were assessed. Results revealed that the performance and carcass evaluation of broiler chickens at both starter phase (week 1-4) and finisher phase (week 5-6) were not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by LBFE at varying doses. Moreover, haematological parameters indicated that the RBC and WBC values were increased significantly (p<0.05) while MCH value was decreased significantly (P<0.05) for birds on 500 g/l LBFE compared to values for birds on 0 g/l LBFE suggesting potential immunomodulatory effects of the fruit extract. Additionally, serum biochemical analysis revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase for glucose (155.04mg/dl), total protein (57.7 g/l), albumin (42.75 g/l), uric acid (61.1 g/l), creatinine (0.66 mg/dl), total bilirubin (0.82 mg/dl), and AST (49.61 µ/l) values in control treatment compared to values from other treatments which were significantly (p>0.05) reduced indicative of improved physiological health in supplemented birds. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of LBFE on broiler chicken performance, carcass characteristics, hematological indices, and serum biochemistry, thus highlighting its potential as a natural supplement for optimising poultry production and health.

Keywords: Broiler, growth performance, haematological indices, serum biochemistry

Contact Address: Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dept. of Animal Production and Health, Alabata, 110001 Abeokuta, Nigeria, e-mail: adeleyeoofunaab.edu.ng