Effects of neem leaf meal as protein source on haematology and serum biochemical indices of broiler chicken

Abstract

The poultry industry has been rapidly expanding in recent years, and meeting nutritional requirement of birds for optimum production is difficult as a result of the competition between man and animals for protein source of feedstuff which has resulted in the use of unconventional feed ingredients like neem leaf to promote bird health and growth. This study was conducted to investigate the inclusion of neem leaf (Azadirachta indica) as protein source in the diet of broiler chicken. A total of one hundred- and fifty-day-old chicks were assigned to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were formulated with varying levels of Neem Leaf Meal (NLM) which includes- D1 (0%NLM), D2 (5%NLM), D3 (10%NLM), D4 (15%NLM) and D5 (20%NLM) with 30 birds per treatment, 10 birds per replicate. The NLM was used to replace soyabean meal and the feeding lasted for 8weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected for hematological and serum biochemical indices. Result showed that packed cell volume, hemoglobin, white blood cell, platelets, eosinophils, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, uric acid, and cholesterol were significantly (P<0.05) influenced with the inclusion of neem leaf in the diets of broiler chicken. Therefore, 10% NLM inclusion is recommended to boost the blood parameters in broiler birds for optimal performance.