Effects of The Graded Levels of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) on the Haematological Characteristics and serum enzymes of broilers in the hot humid southern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of graded levels of cholecalciferol (Vitamin D₃) on the haematological characteristics and serum enzymes of broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty day old Marshall Broiler chicks were divided into four groups (A - D) of 60 birds each, and each group replicated thrice, with 30 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Broiler starter and finisher diets were formulate in which vitamin D₃ extra commercial feed grade vitamin D₃ was added at the levels of 0.0% (control) 40, 80 and 100% (manufacturers’ formulation), and offered to the corresponding groups, B – D respectively during 56 days of feeding (28 days each for starter and finisher). At 56 days, three birds from each treatment group were randomly selected and blood samples collected to determine the haematological and serum enzyme characteristics of the birds. Haematological parameters such as Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts and serum enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) remained within the normal range for broiler chickens and were not significantly (p>0.05) different across D₃ treatment levels. It was concluded that the inclusion of 100% vitamin D₃ in the broiler vitamin, trace mineral premix as formulated by the manufacturers for broiler ration is adequate.