EFFECT OF SANDPAPER (Ficus exasperata) LEAF MEAL ON HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF BROILER CHICKEN

Abstract

The trial evaluates effect of sandpaper leaf meal on haematology and serum biochemistry of broiler chicken. Four (4) experimental diets were formulated based on the nutritional requirements of the birds and such that additive values of Ficus exasperata leaf in the diets of the birds were 0% (control), 1%, 2% and 3% in treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Total of ninety-six (96) day (Post-hatch) old broiler chicks (Cobb-500 strain) was used for this trial. Randomly divided into four (4) treatments of three (3) replicates and each replicate contained eight (8) birds, which made it a total of twenty-four (24) birds per treatment. Vaccinations and Medication were done as at when due (at first third and fifth week respectively). Data were collected on haematology and serum biochemistry. All haematological parameters evaluated were significantly (P<0.05) influenced with inclusion levels of sandpaper leaf meals except White Blood Cell (WBC). Total protein value of 2.66g/dl recorded from 3% (T4) was the highest across the dietary group while 2.39g/dl recorded from the control group (T1) was the least value. Cholesterol, triglyceride and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) values recorded across the dietary treatments decreased with increase in inclusion levels of sandpaper. Conclusion, inclusion levels of sandpaper leaf meal as an alternative to synthetic antibiotics in finisher broiler birds did not have any deleterious effect on the health of the birds as revealed by the result of serum biochemistry and haematological indices.