Growth and Hematology of Broiler Birds Fed Ocimum gratissimum (Sweet Basil) Leave Extract
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.5392Keywords:
Ocimum gratissimum, leave, extract, broiler, growthAbstract
Growth and heamatology of broiler birds fed Ocimum gratissimum (sweat basil) leaf extract was studied using forty-eight Anak broiler birds. The birds were grouped into four treatments (12 birds / treatment) with three replicates (4 birds per replicate) per treatment in a completely randomized design. The extract was obtained by pounding fresh O. gratissimum (Sweet basil) leaves using mortar and pestle and then divided into 100, 200 and 300 g. Each portion was mixed with a litre of water, squeezed and filtered. The filtrates from the 100, 200 and 300 g of the pounded leaves were administered to the birds in the treatment groups (2, 3 & 4 respectively) while the birds in treatment one (the control group) were given ordinary drinking water. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum while other routine management practices were strictly adhered to throughout the duration of the study (28 days). From the result, birds in the experimental groups performed better than the control group (p<0.05) in all parameters measured. Feed conversion ratio and final weight were found to decrease and increase respectively as the intake of the leave extract increased. Also, the hematological indices (PCV, Hb and RB C) followed the same trend and differed significantly (p<0.05) across treatments. Hence, it was noted that O. gratissimum leave extract has great morphogenic effect as the broiler birds fed 300 ml of the leave extract had higher weight gain, lower feed conversion ratio and lower feed intake. Hence, the leave extract was noted to have improved growth and haematological indices of the birds in the experimental group.