Hematological Indices Research Articles

Experimental study of toxic effects of cadmium against background of physical exercise

Introduction. Nowadays, working conditions in industry are often associated with chemical exposure along with manual labour. Given the evidence of the combined effect of heavy metals and muscular work, an increase in cadmium toxicity can be expected. However, an experimental study and actual assessment of exposure to both factors are necessary to avoid underestimation or overestimation of real risks. The purpose of our study was to establish health effects of subchronic cadmium toxicity against background of physical exercise. Materials and methods. In a subchronic animal experiment, four groups of outbred male rats, 14 animals each, were exposed to cadmium chloride at a single dose of 0.77 mg/kg body weight, forced physical exercise (treadmill running), both factors combined, or acted as a control group. Hematological, biochemical, and morphometric indices in rodents were assessed at the end of the experiment. The statistical significance of differences between the groups was established using Student’s t-test (p<0.05). For mathematical modelling, we used the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the construction of Loewe isoboles. Results. We observed significant unfavorauble shifts in 27.5% of the assessed morphometric, hematological, biochemical, cytological, and histomorphometric indices in rats following the exposure to cadmium only and in combination with exercise. The mathematical analysis based on the response surface modelling showed the typology of the combined impact of chemical and physical factors to vary depending on the specific effect by which it is assessed, as well as on the dose and level of effect. Limitations. Laboratory animals of only one biological species and sex were used for the experiment, exposed to a single concentration of cadmium and physical exercise of only one intensity level. Conclusion. The principles of health effects of cadmium and physical stress as risk factors of the workplace environment specified in the in vivo experiment may serve as a basis for scientific justification of risk assessment criteria to avoid under- or overestimation of real risks in the occupational setting.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF BROILER CHICKENS FED STRAIGHT DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH BIONIC PREBIOTIC (HILYSES) AND HARDCORE YEAST CELL WALL (IMMUNO WALL)

This research aimed to examine the impact of dietary supplementation with bionic prebiotic (hilyses) and hardcore yeast cell wall (immuno wall) on the growth performance and haematological indicators of broiler chickens. A total of 120-day-old broiler chickens were acquired from a reputable hatchery and distributed into four experimental diet groups: a control group (0%) and three treatment groups (0.25kg, 0.50kg, and 0.75kg) in a Completely Randomized Design. Data were collected concerning growth performance and haematological indices. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of prebiotics and yeast led to significant improvements in various performance parameters. Notably, birds fed the diet with 0.75kg of supplementation exhibited the highest final weight (2680.75g), followed by the 0.50kg group (2525.45g), while the control group (2407.55g) and the 0.25kg group (2450.00g) had lower final weights. The weight gained per bird showed similar trends, with the 0.75kg group (2638.40g) leading, followed by the 0.50kg and 0.25kg groups, while the control group had the least weight gain (2363.25g). Average daily weight gain and feed intake also revealed enhanced performance in the groups with supplementation. Additionally, the feed conversion ratio demonstrated that birds on the 0.75kg supplementation diet were more efficient at converting feed into body mass. Haematological parameters showed no significant (p>0.05) differences among the groups except for white blood cell (WBC) and packed cell volume (PCV). WBC levels increased with higher prebiotic inclusion, and the 0.75kg group had the highest value. PCV values were also significantly higher in the 0.50kg and 0.75kg groups compared to other dietary treatments. The differential white blood cell counts showed no significant impact on lymphocyte, heterophil, monocyte, and eosinophil counts. The percentage of lymphocytes and heterophils, as well as eosinophils, increased with greater prebiotic levels. In CONCLUSION, the study found that supplementing broiler diets with prebiotics significantly increased body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratios compared to the control diet. Moreover, the hematological parameters of broiler chickens fed the treatment diets were comparable to those of the control group, suggesting that prebiotics and yeast can be safely included in broiler diets up to 0.75% without adverse effects on haematological parameter.

HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF FINISHER BROILER CHICKENS FED HIGH-QUALITY CASSAVA PEEL MEAL SUPPLEMENTED DIET

This study was aimed at evaluating the haematological indices and serum biochemistry of finisher broiler chickens fed high-quality cassava peel meal. A total of 160-day-old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were sourced from a reputable hatchery in Ibadan, Oyo State. The birds were randomly weighed and assigned into four dietary treatment groups supplemented with HQCP at 150, 200 and 250kg/ton of feed, each replicated four times with ten birds per replicate in a completely randomised design. Results shows that the haematological indices of birds fed high-quality cassava peel meal had significant (P<0.05) differences in Red blood cell (RBC), Packed cell volume (PCV) and Haemoglobin (Hb). Birds fed diet 2(150 kg HQCP/ton) and diet 3 (200kg HQCP/ ton) had the highest values for RBC, PCV and Hb (3.26 x106/mm3, 3.19%, and 13.07g/dl) and (28.0 x106/mm3, 27.67%, and 13.27g/dl), respectively. They are significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of birds on diet1(Control) and diet4(250kg HQCP/ton). However, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences across the treatment groups for white blood cell. The serum biochemistry revealed that total protein of birds fed diet 3 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed diets 1 and diet 4 respectively. The result of the Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphates (ALP), and Bilirubin shows no significant (P>0.05) differences across the treatment groups. The result of the total cholesterol shows that birds fed diets 3 and 4 were not significantly different from each other but they were significantly lower than others. Therefore, cassava peels can replace maize at 150kg –250kg/ton inclusion level without any detrimental effect on the hematological parameters, and serum biochemical indices of finisher broiler chickens.

DIETARY EFFECT OF PEPPERFRUIT (DENNETTIA TRIPETALA) MEAL ON BLOOD PROFILE OF BROILER CHICKENS

The modern poultry production technique aimed at increasing production by increasing efficiency of nutrients utilization and health status of birds using organic materials like herbs and spices to decreasing reliant on antibiotics and other synthetic products that have residual effects on birds, their products and their consumers. Thus, an experiment was carried out to investigate effect of dried pepperfruit (Dennettia tripetala) meal (DPFM) on haematology and cholesterol components of broiler chickens. One hundred and fifty day-old Hubbard broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments containing 30 chicks each. Each treatment was replicated three times, which contained 10 birds each. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design. Five diets were formulated to represent the treatments (T1 – T5). Treatment (T1) was the control diet containing no DPFM, while T2, T3, T4 and T5 contained 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1% respectively. Diets were fed to birds starting from day old for 28 days (starter phase) and 21 days for finisher phase. Birds were allowed access to feed and water ad libitum. Parameter measured are the haematological indices like White blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, red blood cells, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, MCV, MCHC and platelets; and lipid parameters like Triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density, low density and very low density lipoproteins. At the end of 49 days, results indicated an increase in WBC, RBC and Hb by all the levels of pepper fruit meal. At 0.25% inclusion the neutrophils were reduced. The HDL (good cholesterol), VLDL were increased and LDL (bad cholesterol) was reduced by all levels of DPFM fed (0.25-1.0%) while the total cholesterol level was not affected. Inclusion of dried pepper fruit meal up to 1.0% in broiler chicken diets improved their haematology, immunity and good cholesterol levels while bad cholesterol levels was significantly reduced.

EFFECTS OF BREED ON GROWTH AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF WEANER RABBITS

This study was aimed at evaluating breed effects on the growth and haematology in weaner rabbits. Forty-eight weaner rabbits, 6-7 weeks old that comprised pure strains of Californian (CL), Rex hybrid (RX) and locally adapted breeds (LAB) were used at sixteen rabbits per breed in a completely randomized design. A feeding trial was conducted for eight weeks using formulated diet after an initial adaptability period of two weeks. Throughout the feeding trial, individual feed intake was recorded twice daily to determine daily feed intake while the body weights were taken weekly to determine weekly weight gain. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected from the ear vein for haematology and serum biochemical studies. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS IBM version 26.0 while means were separated using Tukey’s honestly significant difference Test at the probability level of 5% (p<0.05). Results obtained showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in total feed consumed, total weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the breeds. There were also no significant differences (P>0.05) in the haematological indices except in the monocytes and eosinophils (P<0.05). The serum biochemistry composition showed no significant differences (P>0.05) except for triglyceride and urea which showed significant differences (P<0.05). From the results, breed plays no significant role in growth and haematology composition of rabbits raised under the same climatic and management conditions. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve on other factors that are determinants of rabbit growth and welfare.

ENHANCIED SUSTAINABLE CATTLE PRODUCTION: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF FEEDING REGIMENS ON WHITE FULANI CALVES IN NIGERIA

Eminent among challenges faced by the Nigerian beef industry, is the inconsistent availability of feed affecting livestock feeding practices. Recognizing the need for year-round production of quality meat to meet population demands, the study focuses on the use of supplemental feeding regimens to optimize the growth potential of grazing the white Fulani breed calves in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The study explored the impact of three feeding regimens (morning concentrate supplement (G1), evening concentrate supplement (G2), and without supplementation (G3)) on body measurements and haematological indices. The experiment, conducted over three months, employs a completely randomized design with three replicates. Proximate analysis of the supplemental diet and forages reveals nutritional compositions within the recommended ranges for calf growth crude protein of 8.90 % and 22.59 % and dry matter of 88.66 %-90.80 %. Body measurements showed significant improvements, with evening supplementation leading to notable changes in body length (6cm), weight, circumference, and tail length. Red blood cell count (8.46 x 106uL, haemoglobin (6.90 g/dL), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (24.50 g/dL), exhibited significant variations (P>0.05) among the feeding regimens, suggesting a nuanced impact on animal health. In conclusion, supplemental feeding in the evening emerges as a promising strategy to enhance the performance of white Fulani calves, not only in terms of growth but also in maintaining favourable blood profiles.

EFFECT OF LITTER DEPTHS ON HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF ROSS-308 GROWER BROILER CHICKENS IN MAKURDI, SUB-HUMID SAVANNA

The environment of the animal certainly has definite effect on its physiology. The assessment of these effects requires the measure of haematological indices. Hence this experiment was designed to studythe effect of wood shaving depths on some haematological indices of Ross-308 grower broilerchickens. The four weeks old, one hundred and twenty (120) grower broiler chickens used for thisstudy were randomly allotted by weight to four treatments of three replicates each, comprising of ten birds per replicate. The experiment was set in a completely randomized design. Feed and water were administered ad-lib. At the end of the experimental period of four weeks, three birds were selected from treatments; one per replicate and sacrificed. Blood was collected from the severed jugular; 3mls each into EDTA and EDTA free bottles for each bird. Samples in the EDTA bottles were used to evaluate PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, and the erythrocytic indices; MCV, MCH and MCHC were calculated. Serum samples were aspirated from the EDTA free bottles for the analysis of total protein, albumin, glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol and triglyceride. The result of the study showed that the means of Hb, MCHC, ALT, total cholesterol and triglyceride vary significantly (p<0.05) among the treatments while means of all other indices were not significantly (p>0.05) different. It was observed in this study that Hb, MCHC and triglyceride concentration were influenced by litter depth.

EFFECT OF DIETARY REPLACEMENT OF MAIZE WITH GRADED LEVELS OF SORGHUM WITH AND WITHOUT ENZYME (ENZYBLEND®) ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF GROWING RABBITS

Maize is one of the major sources of energy in rabbits feed. The use of sorghum is to reduce prices in feeds and effect of replacing maize as energy source for rabbit demands research. A study lasting 84 days was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Health and Production Technology, Akperan Orshi Polytechnic Yandev, Gboko to determine the haematological and serum indices of replacing yellow maize with red sorghum in rabbit diets with or without enzyme. A total of 54 weaner rabbits of mixed strains and sexes with initial body weight of 690.84-794.83g were assigned to 9 dietary treatments containing 6 rabbits per treatment with 1 rabbit per replicate in a completely randomized design of 4×2+1 factorial arrangement having two levels of enzyblend supplementation (with & without). Dietary treatments included: D1: 0 %, D2 :25 %, D3: 50 %, D4 :75 % D5: 100 % red sorghum replacement. The results showed that, PCV, eosinophil and monocyte were Significantly (P>0.05) higher (39.75, 3.13 and 3.50 %) respectively, while WBC, HB and MCV had no significant (p<0.05) effects. Albumin, Globulin, Creatinine and Cholesterol were significantly (P<0.05) higher (4.20, 3.24, 0.93, and 118.96) respectively. Total protein and Uric acid had no significant (P>0.05) difference for serum biochemical parameters with or without enzymes supplementation. The study therefore recommends 100 % sorghum inclusion level without any deleterious effect.

DIETARY EFFECT OF COPPER SULPHATE ON BLOOD AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF GROWING GOATS

An in-depth analysis of blood gives a reflection of animal’s responsiveness to their internal and external environment. Hence, a 56-day study was carried out using fifteen West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks of about 12-18months, with an average body weight of 6.09±0.58kg, to evaluate their nutrient intake, haematological and serum biochemical indices when fed copper sulphate (CuSO4) supplemented diets. A concentrate diet was formulated and divided into five equal portions and CuSO4 was added to the diets at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg diets representing treatments T-control), T2, T3, T4) and T5, respectively and fed to the goats in a Completely Randomized Design experiment. Nutrient composition and nutrient intake were determined. Blood was collected from each goat and sera were harvested from each blood sample collected. The blood samples were analyzed for whole blood count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, while sera for total protein (TP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase. Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis. From the results, supplementation of CuSO4 did not significantly (P>0.05) influence DMI by the goats, while goats fed T5 (20 mg/kg CuSO4) had the highest CPI (61.00g/day). Goats fed T4 and T5 had statistical similar values for PCV. Goats fed T5 had the highest value of RBC (15.70x106/µL), WBC (11.33x103/µL), Hb (12.70g/100mL), MCHC (33.13g/dL), TP (6.82g/dL) and AST (63.83IU/L). Conclusively, the study revealed that copper sulphate supplementation in growing goats’ diet has potentials to improve blood components without deleterious effects on their health status, and could be supplemented even up to 20mg/kg.

Hematologic Inflammation Indices for Differentiating between Brucella, Pyogenic, and Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis.

Infectious spondylodiscitis is a life-threatening disease and has some challenges in terms of diagnostic, differentiative, and therapeutic processes. Therefore, rapid and effective management of infectious spondylodiscitis is necessary. Hematological inflammation indices (HIIs) such as the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and aggregate index of systemic inflammation are derived from blood cells and used as diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and treatment monitoring indicators. This study aimed to evaluate HIIs for discriminating between infectious spondylodiscitis pathogens. This retrospective comparative study included 116 patients with infectious spondylodiscitis. According to the responsible infectious pathogens, three types of infectious spondylodiscitis were defined: Brucella (n = 51), pyogenic (n = 43), and tuberculous (n = 22). The HIIs were derived from baseline complete blood counts. The three types of infectious spondylodiscitis were statistically compared for the HII scores. We found that the Brucella group had significantly lower HII scores than the pyogenic group (p < 0.05). Also, the Brucella group had significantly lower HII scores than the tuberculous group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the pyogenic and tuberculous groups regarding HIIs (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the HIIs may be considered in the differentiation between Brucella spondylodiscitis and other types of infectious spondylodiscitis.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENTLY PROCESSED DOUM PALM (HYPHAENE THEBAICA) PULP ON HEAMATO-BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF BROILER CHICKENS

A study on Effect of Differently Processed Doum palm (Hyphaene thebaica) pulp on haematology and serum biochemical indices of broiler chicken was conducted. In a completely randomized design one hundred and fifty (150) day- old broiler chicks (Agritec) were randomly allocated to five dietary treatment groups of thirty (30) chicks with three replicates of ten chicks each. The treatment groups were labeled as T1 (0%), T2, (raw) T3 (soaked), T4 (boiled) and T5 (roasted).Two birds from each treatment were selected at random for Heamatology and serum biochemical analysis. The results indicated that, red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular (MCHC) and neutrophils were significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected while the remaining parameters were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) affected. RBC in T1 was significantly higher (5.05x1012/l) and statistically (p&lt;0.05) difference with T3. MCHC showed T3 was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher and similar with all the treatments except T1. The results on serum biochemical analysis revealed significance (p&lt;0.05) difference in the values of potassium and total protein while the remaining parameters were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) affected. Potassium content in T5 showed significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher value (4.20Mmol/L) and similar with all the treatment except T4. However, total protein content was higher (4.1g/dl) in T2 and statistically (p&lt;0.05) similar with the remaining treatments except T4. Therefore, raw and differently processed doum palm pulp meal can be used without any adverse effect on the haematology and serum biochemistry of the broiler chicken as observed in this study.

HAEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF BROILER CHICKENS FED TURMERIC RHIZOME POWDER

This study was aimed to explore the ability of turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) to impact the blood haematological and biochemical composition of broiler chickens. A total of 120 ROSS 308 strains of unsexed broiler chicken were used for the study which lasted for a period of 8 weeks. The study was made up of four treatments including control. The three other groups were treated with 200g, 400g and 600g supplementation of TRP in the broiler diets. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of haematology and serum biochemical indices. The result from this analysis showed that the dietary treatment with TRP had a significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on the haematological parameters including RBC, PCV haemoglobin, platelet, MCH, MCHC as well as the ser um biochemical indices including serum lipids (HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL, and total cholesterol) and the serum proteins (total proteins and globulin). The RBC, PCV and Haemoglobin counts of all the treated groups were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) from the control but the highest was recorded in the group fed 200g of TRP (4.37x106/ul, 39.33%, and 13.93g/dL respectively), while the two other treatments were significantly lower than the control (3.95x106/ul, 35.67% and 13.13g/dL). However, the values were within the range for a normal broiler chicken. The reduction of the lipid composition of the serum also confirms the anticholesteremic effect of turmeric rhizome powder. This study therefore supports the supplementation of broiler diets with TRP and recommends 200g as the optimal level for supplementation in 100kg of broiler diets.

EFFECT OF XYLAZINE - MIDAZOLAM COMBINATION WITH ASCORBIC ACID AS ANAESTHESIA ON HEALTH STATUS OF WEST AFRICA DWARF GOATS

The use of a safer technique of achieving anaesthesia is a unique procedure to be explored, Thus this study was aimed to evaluate the effect of xylazine – midazolam combination with ascorbic acid on the haematological indices of West African dwarf (WAD) goats. A total number of ten (10) WAD goats were randomly allotted into two groups; Group 1: Xylazine + Midazolam (XM) and Group II: Xylazine + Midazolam + Ascorbic acid (XMA300). Blood samples were collected from all goats in each treatment via jugular vein before the medicines were administered (0 minutes), and during drug administration at 60 and 90 minutes for haematological examination. Results revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on the haematological indices of the WAD goats except the packed cell volume, red blood cell, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular haemoglobin. Goat administered XMA300 had higher (P&lt;0.05) haemoglobin values (10.60 ± 1.74g/dL) at 90 min under anaesthesia. Goats administered XM recorded higher (P&lt;0.05) WBC at 0 (52.50 ± 1.58 × 105/µL) and 60 (71.00 ± 1.58 × 105/µL) min while at 90 min, goats administered XMA300 had higher value (60.00 ± 1.58× 105 /µL). The platelets values observed at 0 (11.60 ± 0.25 × 107/µL), 60 (10.90 ± 0.16× 107/µL) and 90 (12.80 ± 0.16 × 107/µL) min of anaesthesia in this study were higher in group administered XM. Goats administered XMA300 had higher (P&lt;0.05) lymphocytes values at 0, 60 and 90 mins of anaesthesia. The mean corpuscular volume observed in this study was higher in goats administered XM (29.00 ± 1.58 fl) at 60 min but was higher in goats administered XMA (24.40±1.74 fl) at 90 min. It can be concluded that addition of ascorbic acids with the drugs improved the heamatological indices of WAD goats.

HAEMATOLOGY OF BROILER CHICKEN AT STARTER PHASE ADMINISTERED WITH HOG PLUM (SPONDIAS MOMBIN) LEAF EXTRACT

Broiler chicken requires good attention that will aid the growth potential for effective cost of production without compromising the quality and health status. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate effect of Spondias mombin leaf extract on haematological indices of broiler chickens at starter phase (0-4weeks). Spondias mombin leaf extract was administered at 25mL, 50mL, 75mL and 100mL per litter of water on 200-day-old chicks. Blood sample was collected via jugular vein from two birds per replicate at day 21 into EDA bottles and analysed for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) and white blood differential count. Result showed that superior (P&lt;0.05) PCV (35.00%), Hb (18.80g/dl), RBC (2.40 x102/l) and heterophils (39.33%) were obtained in birds administered with 75mL extract. Least (P&lt;0.05) white blood cell was obtained with birds on control but was similar (P&gt;0.05) with those on 50mL Spondias mombin extract. Monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume were similar (P&gt;0.05) across treatments. The study concluded that Spondias mombin leaf extract was not toxic and could be administered up to 75mL/litre of water without any deleterious effects on blood of 0-4weeks old broilers.

EFFECT OF VARYING LEVELS OF CASHEW LEAF MEAL (ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE) ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF BROILER CHICKEN

The low nutrient utilization which is combatant to soaring cost of raising poultry has made the animal nutritionist to explore avenues to use natural feed additives to maximize the utilization of nutrients in the available feed for cost reduction. Some of these natural feed additives may impact negatively on blood parameters of broilers thereby negating their use. This study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the dietary supplementation of cashew leaf Anarcadium occidentale meal (CLM) on haematological indices of finisher broiler chicken. One hundred and twenty Anak-2000 breed of finisher broilers were distributed randomly in a completely randomized design (CRD) of four treatments replicated three times. The experimental diets consist of CLM added at levels of 0%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5% in treatment 1 (control), 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The diets were fed for 28 days after which blood samples were collected for haematological analysis. The result showed a progressive significantly (p&lt;0.05) increase in red blood cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin (Hb), and white blood cell (WBC) as the inclusion level of CLM increased. The mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, and mean cell value (MCV) (p&gt;0.05) reduced in diets 2, 3, and 4 compared to the control. It was concluded that CLM up to 3.5% inclusion has the potential to impact positively on haematological parameters of finisher broiler chicken and therefore should be included in the formulation of finisher broilers diets at up to 3.5%.

SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF COCKS FED VARYING LEVELS OF TUMERIC POWDER AS SUPPLEMENT

Emerging evidence from in vivo as well as in vitro studies indicates that botanicals play noteworthy roles in the treatment, prevention and management of diseases. Use of natural compounds in botanicals has been proposed as potential alternative to conventional therapeutic options. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of varying levels of turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) on semen characteristics and haematological indices of cocks. The experimental material was drenched at 0.0g (T1), 0.05g (T2), 1.00g (T3) and 1.5g (T4) after 2 weeks of acclimatization. Semen volume, sperm cell progressive motility, sperm cell liveability, acrosome integrity, sperm cell concentration and normal sperm cell were evaluated for semen characteristics. Data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance. Semen volume (0.34 – 0.37mL), sperm cell progressive motility (68.33 – 80%), sperm cell liveability (46.66 – 85.00%), acrosome integrity (50.00 – 85%) and normal sperm cell (66.66 – 90%) shows significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in favour of cocks on higher level of turmeric powder. While sperm cell concentration (28.33 - 40.00 X109/mL) shows no significant difference (P&gt;0.05). Turmeric powder up to 1.50g shows no negative effect on the semen characteristics of cocks.

EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS PLANT EXTRACTS ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF PURE AND CROSSBRED CHICKENS

The effect of neem and ginger extracts on the haematological indices of Noiler, Heavy Ecotype chicken and their crossbred was investigated. A total of 360 one-day-old chicks from 3 genetic groups consisting; 120 chicks from a cross between Noiler cocks × Noiler (NN) hens, 120 chicks from a cross between Heavy Ecotype cocks × Heavy Ecotype (HH) hens and 120 chicks from a cross between Noiler cocks × Heavy Ecotype (NH) hen were used for the study. The chicks from each genetic group were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 30 birds per treatment as follows: T1: No plant extracts, T2: 200 ml neem, T3: 200 ml ginger and T4: 100 ml neem + 100 ml ginger. The result indicated that haemoglobin (HB), packed cell volume (PCV), Platelets, white blood cells (WBC) and its differential showed significant treatment effect (P&lt;0.05) except red blood cell (RBC), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). From the result, it was concluded that 200 ml of ginger extract and the combined effect of neem and ginger extracts can be used to improve the blood parameters and general health of the birds.

HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF WEANER’S RABBIT FED SPROUTED MORINGA SEED MEAL

In grassland pasture of low nutritive value, feeds, climatic factors and stresses, had led to various responses in blood indices. The haematological indices of growing rabbits fed sprouted Moringa seed meal was evaluated in this study using twenty four (24) New Zealand white rabbits aged 6weeks old. They were randomly allotted into four treatment groups and each treatment consisted of 6 rabbits per replicate and thereafter subjected to ten (10) weeks feeding trial. The diets contained four levels of Moringa seeds meal at 0, 5, 10 and 15 percent levels. Results showed that Packed cell volume of rabbits in T4 was significantly (P&lt;0.05) high (48.00%) compared to other groups. The Red blood cell of rabbits fed T2 and T4 were similar while T1 (7.38 x106/L) were significantly higher than T3 (3.15x106/L). Haemoglobin level were high in T4 (16:00g/dl) compared to other groups. White blood cell in T4 were also low compared to other groups. MCV were high (123.80fl) and low (4.27pg) in T3 respectively. Lymphocytes of rabbits on T3 (84.00%) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than T2 (26.00%). This study concluded that the blood profiles of rabbits in all the treatment groups were within the normal range; an indication that the test ingredient enhanced feed quality and inadvertently the nutritional and health status of rabbits. Moringa seeds could be incorporated into the diet of rabbits up to 15% without posing health hazards on the animals.

IMPACT OF PROCESSED CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS (LEMON GRASS) LEAF MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF BROILER CHICKENS

The experiment was carried out to determine the impact of processed lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates) leaf meal on the growth performance and haematological indices of broiler birds. One hundred and twenty (120), day old "Agrited" broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups, each replicated three times with ten birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four diets were formulated such that the lemon grass leaf meal was incorporated into the diets at 0%, 0.75%, 1.50% and 2.25% corresponding to treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Feed and water were given ad-libitum throughout the experimental period of 49 days. Final body weight was superior (P&lt;0.05) in T4 (2530g), while the least value of 2200g was observed in treatment 1. Body weight gain was highest in T4 (1290g), but least in T1 (958g). While feed conversion ratio was at its best in treatment 4 with 1.99. Haematological profile results showed that there was no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect of lemon grass leaf meal across the treatment groups studied in terms of haemoglobin and red blood cell, but differed (P&lt;0.05) in packed cell volume and white blood cell. From the results obtained in this present research, it can be concluded that lemon grass leaf meal can be added up to 2.25% in the diet of broiler chickens without any undesirable effect in terms of growth performance and no negative impact on the health of the birds at this phase of growth.

Internal blood lead exposure levels in permanent residents of Jiangxi Province and its effects on routine hematological and biochemical indices.

Lead exposure levels are closely linked to human health and can cause damage to multiple organ systems, including the blood system and liver. However, due to insufficient evidence, the effects of lead exposure on hematological and biochemical indices have not been fully established. This study aims to explore the blood lead levels of permanent residents in Jiangxi Province and analyze the factors affecting blood lead levels and the impact of blood lead levels on hematological and biochemical indices. We conducted a cross-sectional study including questionnaires, health examinations, and blood sample examinations on 720 randomly selected permanent residents (3-79 years) in Jiangxi Province in 2018. The blood lead levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Routine hematological and biochemical tests were determined by qualified medical institutions using automated hematology analyzers and biochemistry analyzers. The geometric mean of blood lead concentration in permanent residents of Jiangxi Province was 20.45 μg/L. Gender, age, annual household income, smoking, and hypertension were the influencing factors for blood lead levels. For each 1 μg/L increase in blood lead, the risks of elevated red blood cell count (from low to high), platelet volume distribution width, alkaline phosphatase (from low to high), and cholesterol increased by 2.4, 1.6, 3.6, and 2.3%, respectively, whereas the risks of elevation of direct bilirubin and total bilirubin both decreased by 1.7%. The blood lead level in permanent residents of Jiangxi Province is higher than the national average. Higher blood lead levels were found in men than in women; blood lead levels were positively correlated with age but negatively correlated with annual household income; smoking and hypertension are risk factors for elevated blood lead; and blood lead levels affect routine hematological and biochemical markers such as red blood cell count, platelet volume distribution width, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol.