Haematology, serum biochemistry and organ histopathology of broiler chickens fed graded dietary levels of <i>Gongronema latifolia</i> (Utasi)

Abstract

An experiment was carried out to evaluate effects of different dietary levels of Gongronema latifolia leaf meal (GLLM) on blood parameters and  histopathology of broiler chickens. Five experimental diets were formulated. Diet 1 (control) contained 0% GLLM while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 2.5%, 5.0% 7.5 and 10.0% GLLM respectively. Each diet was fed to a group of 30 broilers (one week old) for 49 days. A dietary inclusion level of 10%  GLLM significantly (P<0.05) reduced RBC concentration but had no significant (P>0.05) effect on other haematological indices. There was a  significant (P<0.05) reduction of serum glucose at7.5% and10% and of AST at5%,7.5% and10%. Bilirubin increased significantly (P<0.05) 5%, 7.5,10% and 2.5% dietary levels of GLLM. Other serum parameters were not affected (P>0.05) by the treatments. There were no indications of pathologic significance in the liver, kidney, proventriculus or pancreas. An inclusion level of 10% Gongronema latifolia leaf meal in diet can therefore support normal broiler production.

Keywords: Congronema_latifolia, broiler chickens, leaf meal, blood parameters, histopathology