Effect of feeding broilers with phytogenic feed additives containing diets on blood biochemical and haematological constituents

The intense pressure on the poultry sector to promote safe chicken meat and egg has sparked interest in the use of natural and consumer-accepted phytogenic feed additives. The majority of literature on the benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Negro pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) is focused on layers and there is no evidence of turmeric and Negro pepper interactive effects. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of turmeric and Negro pepper mixture on serum biochemical and haematological constituents of broiler chicks fed for 48 days. A total of 96 one-day-old Arbor acres chicks of mixed sexes were used for the experiment. The birds were randomly assigned to four treatment groups and replicated three times in a completely randomized design. The milled turmeric and Negro pepper were mixed in the ratio of 50:50 (50%) and used in the formulation of turmeric and Negro pepper mixture (TNPM) diets. The four experimental diets were formulated to contain 0.00, 0.50, 1.00, and 1.50% dietary levels of inclusion of TNPM at the starter phase and 0.00, 1.50, 3.00, and 4.50% inclusion levels at the finishing phase respectively. Blood samples were collected from the brachial wing vein on the 24th and 48th days of the experiment and were evaluated for serum biochemical and haematological constituents. At the starter phase, red blood cells (RBC) was significantly (P <0.05) improved at a 1.50% dietary level of TNPM. Haemoglobin (Hb) was better (P <0.05) in 0.50 and 1.50% inclusion levels. Mean cell haemo-globin concentration (MCHC) and White blood cells were enhanced (P <0.05) among the treatment groups compared to the control. Total protein, albumin, uric acid and cholesterol concentrations were reduced significantly (P <0.05) in 1.50% inclusion. Alkaline phosphatase value was significantly (P <0.05) lower in birds fed 1.00% TNPM. At the finishing phase, packed cell volume was significantly (P <0.05) higher in 1.50 and 3.00%. RBC was significantly (P <0.05) higher in birds fed 1.50 and 4.50% TNPM. Hb and mean cell volume values were significantly (P <0.05) higher in 1.50% when compared to 0.00%. MCHC was better (P <0.05) among birds fed 1.50% in comparison with those fed 0.00 and 4.50%. WBC was generally improved (P <0.05) among the treatment groups. Total protein and cholesterol values were higher (P <0.05) in the control. Albumin was higher (P <0.05) in 0.00 and 1.50%. Globulin produced a significantly (P <0.05) lower value in 1.50%. Aspartate amino-transferase produced significantly (P <0.05) higher value in T2. It was concluded that up to 1.50 and 4.50% of TNPM could be included in starting and finishing broiler diets without any detrimental effect on serum biochemical and haematological constituents.