Comparative Response of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Infusion Administration on Performance, Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chicks

Abstract

Growing concern about antibiotic growth promoters in animal nutrition and its health implication to consumers of poultry products has initiated efforts towards use of alternative growth promoting agents especially medicinal plants. This study aimed at investigating the response of broiler chicks administered bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) infusion. Sixty day-old Marshal broiler chicks were allotted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to four treatment groups identified as T1, T2, T3 and T4 consisting of three replicate with five birds per replicate. 50 g of dried bitter leaf was infused for 12 h in 1 L of hot boiled water and given to the birds at T1 (0, 25 (T2), 50 (T3) and 75 mL LG 1 (T4) of drinking water ad-libitum. Data collected on growth performance traits revealed that feed intake was not influenced due to treatment, but final body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were increased. Carcass, drumstick, thigh and breast weights and dressing percentage improved in treated groups. There was a reduction of 14.58-23.44% in abdominal fat in the treated group compared to T1. Although birds on T4 gave the highest revenue, the best cost-benefit ratio was obtained from birds on T3. Except for packed cell volume and white blood cell, the results showed no variations in other haematological parameters measured. Cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and glucose concentration in the serum was reduced in the treated group compared to the control. There was no influence on total protein and albumin: globulin ratio in all treatment groups. T3 had the highest value for albumin. Administration of bitter leaf infusion improved the growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens and can be applied in broiler nutrition.