Growth Performance and Blood Profile of Broiler Chickens Administered West African Black Pepper (Piper guineense)

Abstract

Improvement in growth parameters is an important factor that determines the profitability of a broiler chicken production enterprise. West African black pepper (Piper guineense) is one of the plants that has strong antimicrobial sensitivity, which is being explored as an alternative antibiotic growth promoter in broiler chickens. This study evaluated the growth performance and blood profile of broiler chickens administered West African black pepper (Piper guineense) seed meal. One hundred and sixty (160) unsexed Ross 308 broiler chicken strain were randomly divided into 4 treatments (B₁ - B₄) in 4 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. The birds were fed a basal starter diet from 0-4 wk and a finisher diet from 5-8 wk ad libitum. Four levels (0.00, 0.50, 1.00, and 1.50 g) of West African black pepper seed powder (WBP) were administered through 4 litres of drinking water to B₁, B₂, B₃, and B_4, respectively, for 42 days. Data were collected on body weight changes, haematological parameters, lipid profile, liver function, and kidney function markers. The result showed a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent effect on growth parameters. Final body weight (2274.05 g) and daily weight gain (59.21 g) were lowest in birds administered 1.50 g of WBP. Daily feed intake was significantly higher (25.33 g) in birds administered 1.50 g of WBP. FCR and percentage mortality did not vary between the control and the treated birds (p < 0.5). Haemoglobin (7.67 g/dl), MCV (14.11fl), and MCH (34.77 pg) were statistically the same, but significantly higher in birds administered the control diet and 0.5g WBP. Red blood cell count was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (3.163 x 10⁶ /µl) in birds administered 1.5g WBP than in the other treatments.  Total white blood cell was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (35.83 x 10³/µl) in the treated birds than in the control. Lipid profile was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the treatments. Total cholesterol (84.72 mg/dl), triglyceride (46.98 mg/dl), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (7.21 mg/dl) were significantly higher in birds administered 1.50 g WBP. The liver function markers were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by treatments. Glucose was higher (148.10 mg/dl) in birds administered 0.50 g, and lowest in control birds and those administered 1.00 g WBP. Total protein (3.97 g/dl), albumin (1.54 g/dl), and globulin (2.43 g/dl) concentrations were statistically the same, and significantly higher in birds 0.5g and 1.50 g WBP. AST activity was significantly higher (187.83 IU/L) in control birds, while ALP activity was significantly lower (78.83 IU/L) in birds administered 1.00 g WBP. Kidney function markers were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the treatments. Creatinine (0.62 mg/dl) and urea (2.28 mg/dl) levels were higher in birds administered 0.50 g and 1.50 g WBP. Potassium and sodium ion levels were significantly lower (1.35 mmol/l) and (83.83 mmol/l) in birds administered 1.00 g WBP, respectively. In conclusion, Final body weight and daily weight gain were best in birds given 0.50 g (3334.78 g) and 1.00 g (3337.70 g), while 1.50 g compromised growth performance generally. Some haematological parameters were compromised at a higher dose (1.50 g). Birds on 0.500 g and 1.00 g generally had better lipid profiles. Liver function markers were not affected across the treatments. Lower doses, 0.50 g and 1.00 g, greatly improved the kidney function markers, while 1.50 g of WBP was toxic to the heart. It is recommended that WBP should not be administered beyond 1.00 g in broiler chicken production.