THE EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Vernonia amygdalina (Del) LEAF (BITTER LEAF) ON THE PERFORMANCE, BLOOD INDICES, CAECAL MICROBIAL LOAD AND IMMUNODULATORY RESPONSE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

In the Nigeria agricultural industry, poultry production is one of the largest sub-sectors which supplies animal protein, vitamins and lipids of high biological value for human consumption. Poultry disease is one of the most important problems faced by the poultry industry and therefore requires great attention. This study was conducted to determine the effects of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaf on the performance, blood indices, caecal microbial load and immunodulatory response of broiler birds. One hundred and fifty day old chicks of Abor acre strain of mixed sex were obtained from a reputable hatchery in Ibadan and were raised under the intensive management system using the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The data collected were feed intake, body weight gain and water intake from day old to the 8th week. Blood samples were collected on the third week for Gumboro analysis, on the 8th week for repeat of the Gumboro analysis as well as for Newcastle Disease analysis and for the determination of haematological and biochemical parameters. Carcass, organ weight and caecal microbial count were evaluated at the end of the experiment. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis and significant means were separated using the one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Birds offered 45g/litre of leaf extract hit a significantly (p0.05) among birds irrespective of the concentration of aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina leaf. However, water intake was reduced among the birds offered Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract (p0.05) for all treatments. However, the lowest blood cholesterol (60.4mg/dl) was recorded amongst birds offered 45g/litre of aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina leaf. The lowest creatine was recorded amongst the Control birds. The highest carcass percentage weight (80.1%) was recorded among birds offered 30g/litre of aqueous extract of bitter leaf. Other carcass characteristics as well as organ weights were not significantly affected by water treatment (p>0.05). It was concluded that Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract used up to 60g/ litre of water did not affect the performance of broiler birds, it also conferred partial immunity against Newcastle disease on the birds. � � � � � � � �

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urn:uuid:f9ad3def-2571-421a-a5dc-80e990ac66bf