Effect of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Meal on the Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

A total of one hundred and twenty day-old Anak-strain broiler chick to determine the effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) meal on the haematology and serum biochemistry of broilers. A completely randomized design was used and the experiment lasted for eight weeks. The birds were grouped into four diets (D1, D2, D3 and D4) respectively. D1 served as control, D2 contained 1.0 % turmeric, D3 contained 2.0 % and D4 contained 3.0 % turmeric at both growth phases respectively. Blood samples were collected for haematological indices and serum biochemical indices examination. The results of haematology and serum biochemistry revealed significant (p<0.05) difference in the values obtained for ALT, urea, haemoglobin, PCV, RBC and MCHC. ThehighestvalueswereobtainedinD4forHb(8.13g/dl),PCV(29.50%)andRBC(2.72x106/μl). MCHCrecordedthehighest value in D1 (31.04 g/dl) and the least in D3 (27.35 g/dl). Highest values of alanine aminotransferase were obtained in D2 (44.33μl)anditsleastvalueinD1(14.33μl). Serumureahad(0.87mg/dl)andthehighestvaluewasobservedinD2(8.75mg/dl).The cholesterol values were within the normal range. The same trend was noticed for urea, RBC and Hb. The high value of the WBC suggests that the birds were immunologically challenged. It was concluded that the inclusion of turmeric meal did not affect the serum biochemistry and haematology of the birds but elevated the WBC count out of normal range.