Effects of phytogenic additive (scent leaf) supplementation on lipid profile, electrolyte stress markers, and gut bacterial loads in broiler chickens

Abstract

Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), a phytogenic additive, is known for lowering of cholesterol levels, eradication of free radicals, and antimicrobial characteristics in broiler chickens. This study assessed how scent leaves affected broiler chicken lipid profile, gut microbiota and electrolyte stress biomarker levels. Over the course of eight weeks, 200 unsexed Cobb 500 broiler chicken were randomly allocated into five treatment groups, each with four replicates. Each replicate was administered graded amount of scent leaf powder extract (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 grammes per five litres of water). The Nutrient Requirement Council dietary standards were used to formulate the experimental diets. Tests done at weeks 4 and 8 showed that using higher doses of scent leaf (75 and 100 g) significantly (p<0.05) lowered cholesterol levels, while adding 50g significantly (p<0.05) raised high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Lower doses did not significantly (p >0.05) alter low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, but they did lower levels of triglycerides (TG) significantly (p<0.05). The electrolyte study found no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate between treatment groups, regardless of the level of supplementation. This suggests that the electrolyte balance was stable. Bacterial load tests showed that higher doses caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the number of bacterial loads in the caecum and ileum, with much impact in the ileum. These results show that O. gratissimum can help the body break down fat and lower the number of gut bacterial load without altering the balance of electrolytes. This makes it a good plant-based supplement for inclusion into broiler chicken diets.