Effect of Aqueous Gmelina (Gmelina arbore) Leaf Extract on Performance Characteristics and Blood Profile of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

A six-week study was conducted to evaluate the effects of aqueous Gmelina (Gmelina arborea) leaf extract (AGALE) on the performance characteristics and blood profile indices of broiler chickens. A total of 120 Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned into four treatment groups of 30 birds each consisting of 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. All birds were fed same diet while the treatment groups received daily oral administration of 0, 2.5, 5.0, or 7.5 mL AGALE through their drinking water. Data collected on growth performance and blood profile were subjected to one-way analysis of variance at 5% level of significance. Results indicated that AGALE significantly (P<0.05) influence virtually all growth parameters of broiler chickens evaluated. Birds administered 2.5mL AGALE recorded the highest average daily weight gain (38.89 g/b/day) while the lowest value (29.05 g/b/day) was obtained in those receiving 5mL AGALE. The average daily feed intake values observed in this study varied significantly across the treatment groups in which birds on 0mL (91.03g/b/day), 2.5mL (91.51g/b/day) and 7.5 mL (89.92g/b/day) AGALE had similar values but significantly higher than those administered 5mL AGALE. Birds administered 2.5mL AGALE (2.37) recorded the best feed conversion ratio. With respect to haematological indices, AGALE had no significant effect (P>0.05) on most parameters, except the white blood cell (WBC) count and heterophil concentration. Birds supplemented with 2.5 mL AGALE recorded the highest WBC count (27.85 × 10³/μL), while the lowest value (12.50 × 10³/μL) was observed in the 7.5 mL group. Similarly, heterophil concentration was significantly (P<0.05) higher in birds administered 2.5 mL AGALE (53.50%), compared with birds on 0 mL (18.00%), 5 mL (20.00%), and 7.5 mL (18.00%) AGALE groups, which had statistically similar values. Results revealed no significant (P>0.05) differences among all the serum biochemical indices measured. It can be concluded that broiler chickens administered 2.5 mL AGALE had positive effects on growth performance and optimized immune function in broilers due to the elevated WBC, heterophil concentration and stable serum biochemical balance.