Hematological and Biochemical Characteristics of Finisher Broilers Fed Graded Levels of Moringa oliefera Leaf Meal

Abstract

The hematological and serum biochemical indices of finisher broilers fed graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) were investigated in a 28 day study. One hundred and fifty (150) five week old Anak strain broiler birds were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments. Each treatment had 3 replicates of 10 birds each. Five experimental diets with 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10% levels of inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal were formulated. Feed and water were supplied ad-libitum. Three birds from each treatment were randomly selected and blood samples collated for hematological and serum biochemical evaluation at the end of the experiment. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the packed cell volume (PCV) (41.50 – 50.0%), haemoglobin (HB) (13.8 – 16.8 g/dl) and red blood cells (RBC) (2.31 – 2.71 x 10⁶) measured. The birds in T3 (5.0%) recorded the highest values in PCV (50.0%), HB (16.8 g/dl), RBC (2.71 x 106/ml) and WBC (141.7%) compared to other treatment groups. However, WBC, MCH, MCV, neutrophils and Lymphocytes were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the treatment diets. The serum biochemical indices measured showed significant differences (p< 0.05) in the serum cholesterol levels (111.50 – 148 mg/dl), total serum protein (4.9 – 6.0g/dl), level, AST level (29.50 – 264 iu/L) and ALT level (22.50 – 180. 5 iu/L). The control group had the highest values in serum cholesterol, total serum protein and serum globulin. T3 (5.0%) recorded the highest serum glucose level. Creatinine had the highest value in T2 (2.5%). No significant differences (p>0.05) existed among the groups in the albumin levels, but T3 had the highest value. It could therefore be concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf meal can be included into finisher broiler diets up to an inclusion level of 10% without any adverse effect.