INFLUENCE OF ESSENTIAL OIL (CRINA AND NUTMEG) ON PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD PROFILE OF STARTING BROILER CHICKENS’

J. O. Alabi; O. G. Ojo; I. D. Olarotimi; A. A. Teniola; B. A. Onifade; A. O. Fafiolu

doi:10.51791/njap.vi.7409

Authors

J. O. Alabi Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
O. G. Ojo Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
I. D. Olarotimi Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
A. A. Teniola Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
B. A. Onifade Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
A. O. Fafiolu Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.7409

Abstract

A study evaluated the efficacy of essential ails (Crina and Nutmeg) when added to basal diets on the performance and blood profile of starting broiler chicks. A total of 120 broiler chicks were given the basal diet supplemented with no additive (Tl), 100 grams/tonne of Crina (T2), Nutmeg (T3), or Crina+ Nutmeg (T4) ina study which lasted for 21 days. Growth performance, haematology and serum biochemical indices were determined. Results showed that highest (P<0.05) final weight (728.06 g), daily weight gain (24.56 g) and best feed: gain (2.21) were obtained for birds on Cri... -iutmeg. Feed intake per bird per day increased as a result of essential oils addition in the diet. Survivability was not affected by the treatments imposed. Significant (P<0.05) higher total protein and albumin in birds fed mixtures of crina and nutmeg. Serum creatinine, uric acid and liver enzymes (AST and ALT) activity were significantly reduced when essential oils were fed to broiler chicks. It was concluded that dietary combination of essential oils (Crina and Nutmeg) resulted to improved body gain, better utilization of dietary nutrients, and reduced liver enzymes activity.