Hematological Status of Broilers with Addition Pegagan (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban) on Feed in Maintenance Without Vaccination

Abstract

Pegagan (Centella asiatica), is a potential herbal plant as a supplement ingredient in feed. Because Pegagan contains various bioactive compounds such as triterpenoid saponins, triterpenoid genins, essential oils, flavonoids, phytosterols, and other components such as volatile oils, tannins, amino acids, and carbohydrates. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of giving Pegagan through feed on the hematological status of broilers reared without using vaccines. This study used 100 Day Old Chicks (DOC) which were reared for 35 days in a closed-house cage system. The feed used is commercial feed and Pegagan (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban.) powder. Feed was given ad-libitum. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) which consisted of 5 treatments, namely the concentration of Pegagan powder in the feed (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2%) with 4 replicates and each replicate consisting of 5 chicks. The variables observed were Haematological Status including erythrocyte quality, hemoglobin, and blood sedimentation rate consisting of 3 parts, namely MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume, MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration, and MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)) and Leukocyte Profile including Heterophiles, Eosinophils, Basophils, Lymphocytes, and monocytes were measured using the Automatic Hematology Analyzer method. Results, the addition of Pegagan powder to a treatment level of 2% in broiler feed and data analysis and ANOVA showed a very significant effect on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels but had no significant effect on RBC, MCV, MCH, and MCHC. As well as having a very significant effect on the number of Leukocytes, Monocytes, and Eosinophils but no significant effect on Heterophiles, Basophils, and Lymphocytes. So, administrating Pegagan powder up to 2% in broiler feed can improve hematological status.