Herbal Modification of Broiler Diet: Implication for Haematological Indices, Antioxidant Activities on Meat, Meat Analysis, Carcass and Internal Organs of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM), Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) and the mixture of VALM and MOLM at 1:1 dietary supplementation on haematological, antioxidant activities on meat of broilers, meat analysis and carcass characteristics and internal organs of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with herbs. A basal diet divided into four portions, designated diet 1 (control diet) and diets 2,3 and 4 supplemented with 0.2% VALM, 0.2% MOLM and VALM +MOLM composite mix 1:1, respectively. One hundred and forty four one-day broiler chickens were randomly assigned to four experimental diets (36 birds per diet; 12 birds per replicate) using a Completely Randomized Design. At the finisher phase, the Haemoglobin count (Hb) of birds fed diets 3 and 4 were significantly (P<0.05) better than those birds fed diets 1 and 2. The white blood cell of birds fed diet2 was higher (P<0.05) than those fed other treated diets though birds fed control diet had the highest WBC. The lymphocytes of birds fed diet 2 were higher (P<0.05) compared to those on other diets. The catalase concentration in meat of bird fed diets 3 and 4 were (P>0.05) similar but significantly (P<0.05) higher than the values recorded for birds fed diets 1 and 2. The glutathione peroxidase concentration in the meat of the birds fed diet 4 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the values recorded for glutathione peroxidase concentration in the meat of birds fed diets 1, 2 and 3. The superoxide dismutase concentration in the meat of birds fed diets 3 and 4 were similar (P>0.05) but significantly (P<0.05) higher than the values recorded for the meat of birds fed diets 1 and 2. The meat cholesterol and lipid peroxidation concentration recorded in the birds fed diets 2, 3 and 4 were significantly (P<0.05) lower than the values recorded for birds on control diets. The final liveweights and dressed weight of the birds fed diets 4 were significantly (P<0.05) better and higher than the birds fed diets 1, 2 and 3. The eviscerated weight of the birds fed diet 1 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed diets 2, 3 and 4. The VALM, MOLM and the mixture of VALM and MOLM at 1:1 dietary supplementation reduced the cholesterol and lipid peroxidation of broiler meat. The overall health status were also improved by the herbal supplements in this study.