Effect of Carica Papaya Leaf and Seed Meal Composite Mix as Feed Supplement on Haemato- Biochemical Parameters of Broiler Chicks

Abstract

This study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of Carica papaya leaf and seed meal composite mix (CLSMM) on hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chicken. Carica papaya leaves were chopped, air-dried and milled to form Carica papaya leaf meal (CLM). Seeds collected from ripe Carica papaya fruits were also air- dried and ground to Carica papaya seed meal (CSM). The CLM and CSM were thoroughly mixed together in ratio 3:1 to form a CLSMM. Two basal diets were formulated for the starter and grower/finisher phases. Each basal diet was divided into 6 equal portions and labelled Diets 1 to 6. Thereafter, 396 one-day old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were distributed to 6 treatments (66 birds/treatment; 11 birds/replicate) in a completely randomized design. On day 42 of the experiment, blood was collected from the birds for haematological and serum biochemical indices determination. The white blood cells values (5.83 x109/l and 6.25 x109/l) recorded in birds fed diets 5 and 6, though similar to those values (5.07x109/l and 4.77x109/l) recorded in birds fed diets 3 and 4; was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those values (3.22 x109/l and 3.70 x109/l) recorded in chickens fed diets 1 and 2. The aspartate amino transferase and cholesterol level decreased significantly (p<0.05) with dietary CLSMM supplementation in the broiler chickens.