Haematological Response and Serum Biochemical Profile of Broiler Finishers Fed with Oxytetracycline and Stonebreaker (Phyllanthus amarus) Leaf Meal

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of Phyllanthus amarus leaf meal on haematology and serum biochemical profile of broiler finishers vis a vis oxytetracycline, in order to serve a basis for further study focusing on antibacterial properties of Phyllanthus amarus.

Study Design: The design of the study was completely randomised design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The study lasted for 6 weeks.

Methodology: One hundred and eight mixed-sex (Hybro PG) four-week old chicks were used for the study.

Four dietary treatments were formulated. Each treatment had three replicates, while each replicate had nine birds. The experimental diets contained 0.25% of tetracycline (T1), 0.20%, 0.40%, and 0.60% of Phyllanthus amarus leaf meal for T2, T3, and T4 respectively.

Results: Except for packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb), there were no significant differences across the treatments for all the haematological parameters measured. There were no significant differences across the treatments for all the serum biochemical profile measured except for albumin and alanine amino transferase (ALT). There was significant (P=.05) increase for albumin for all diets containing Phyllanthus amarus leaf meal. The highest mean value was recorded for birds in T3 (1.56 g/dl), followed by those in T2 (1.45 g/dl). Those in control diet (T1) had the least mean value (0.53 g/dl). ALT did not follow a specific pattern.

Conclusion: Phyllanthus amarus leaf meal in the diets of broiler finisher chickens did not pose any health hazards to the haematological parameters and serum biochemical profile of the broiler finishers at the levels of inclusion.