Haematological and serum biochemistry of broiler finisher treated with toasted (Mahogany Seed) mealAfzelia africana

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Afzelia africana (Mahogany) seed meal on the haematology and serumbiochemistry of broiler finisher. One hundred and twenty (120) four weeks old broilers were assigned to four treatment groups, T (control),T ,T and  T at a level of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% respectively, each treatment group was replicated into 3 of 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Feed and water was given ad- libitum for the period of the experiment (35 days). The result of the study shows reduced level of cholesterol and Total protein as the level of Afzelia africana increases from150gm/100mlto100gm/100 mls and 7.00 to 4.5% respectively, and increase in the levels of the following as the level of Afzelia africana increases, Bicarbonate (HCO3), ALT and ASTfrom 18.5mmol/L to 19.1mmol/L, 16iu/L to 22.1iu/L and 10 to 17.6 iµ/L respectively. Haematological report indicate reduction in the following with increase in Afzelia Africana seed meal, WBC from 4,700x10 /dlto3,500x10 /dl,HBfrom8.9-7.0g/dl, PCV% from 29% to 22%, MCH 18–14 and platelets count from 207, 066 to 13, 300. While there were no changes in the Neutrophil lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Monocytes, Basophils and MCHCP. With the above result, the blood chemistry thus indicate evidence of anaemia, this could be as a result of the processing method (toasting only) of Afzelia Africana seed. Afzelia africana, though used by human without negative effect should not be used in birds unless further studies are carried out on the detoxification of the toxic phytochemical components.