Effects of Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) Extract on Hematology and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens.

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of administering graded levels of scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) extract to broiler birds on haematological parameters and carcass characteristics. A total of Ninety-six-day-old commercial chicks (Anak Breed) were divided into four experimental groups of twenty-four (24) birds each, with three replicates of eight (8) birds per treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment one received oxytetracycline, while treatments 2, 3, and 4 were given Ocimum gratissimum extract at different graded levels of 30, 60, and 90 ml per liter of water, respectively. After eight weeks, blood was collected from two (2) birds per replicate (six per treatment) for haematological studies; these birds were also evaluated for carcass characteristics. The results showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in all haematological parameters among treatments, and were within the accepted normal range for broiler chickens. However, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in live and dressed weights among treatment groups, but no significant effect (P>0.05) of the applied treatments on carcass yield. Phytochemical analysis of scent leaf extract (SLE) revealed bioactive compounds such as oxalate, phytate, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenol, which help reduce cholesterol, improve health, feed intake, digestibility, absorption of minerals and vitamins, and boost immunity of the birds. SLE also showed antibacterial effects on some drug-resistant bacteria. Treatment 2 (30 ml/L) promoted the best performance in all the parameter of interest among the Treatment groups and is therefore recommended as an antibiotic alternative in Nigeria.