Growth Performance, Haematological, Serum Indices and Histopathology of Finisher Broiler Chickens Offered Nutritional Supplement of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L) Leaves Extract

Abstract

Present study was carried out to investigate the effect of nutritional supplement of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L) leaves extract on the performance, haematological, serum indices and histopathology of finisher broilers. 200g of Comfrey symphytum leaves were squeezed in 1 liter of H2O with a juicer to produce comfrey symphytum leaves extract. The leaves extract were further mixed (diluted) in clean drinking water at the rate of 0ml/liter of H2O, 50ml/liter of H2O, 100ml/liter of H2O and 150ml/liter of H2O designated as T1, T3, T4 and T5. T2 was given conventional supplement (Divertamin). Five groups of 30 broiler chicks (28 days old) of Agritech breed were randomly assigned to one of the supplementary Comfrey symphytum leaves extract and the conventional supplement for 28 days in a completely randomized design. Each group was subdivided into three replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were fed normal broiler finisher diet for all the groups. At the end of the 28 days feeding trial, performance indices result showed that T5 (150ml extract/liter of H2O) gave best value (P<0.05) for feed conversion ratio, average weight changes and average daily weight gain but statistically similar (P>0.05) to the control. The indices for economics of production showed that T5 had high earnings for revenue and gross margin with reduced cost/kg weight gain. The haematological and serum indices were not affected significantly (P>0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that comfrey leaves extract caused effaced tissue stromal elements, congestion and marked cellularity of the liver. It was concluded that Comfrey symphytum leaves extract could be used as a nutritional supplement to improve performance of broiler finishers at 100 - 150ml of extract/liter of H2O due to its cost effectiveness and increased revenue and profit margin.