PHYTOGENICS (LEMON AND ORANGE PEELS) INFLUENCED THE HEAMATOLOGY, SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY AND LIPID PROFILE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of phytogenic feed additives (Lemon peel, LP and Orange peel, OP) added singly or in combination to basal diets on the haematology, serum biochemistry and lipid profile of finisher broiler chickens. 320 Marshall strain, mixed sexes, broiler chickens were given the basal diet supplemented with no additive (T1), 500g/tonne of LP (T2), OP (T3), or LP+OP (T4) in a study which lasted for 3 weeks (d 22-42). Blood samples collected at d 42 were assessed. Data generated were analyzed by ANOVA using PROC GLM of SAS (2007). Results showed that highest (P<0.05) PCV (30.00%), total protein (6.89 g/L) and albumin (3.67 g/L) were observed in birds on LP+OP. Hb and RBC were not affected by the treatments imposed. Serum creatinine, uric acid and liver enzymes (AST and ALT) activity were significantly reduced with inclusion of LP and OP in broiler diets. Increase (P<0.05) HDL and decrease total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides were observed in broilers fed LP and OP. The study concluded that dietary supplementation of LP and OP had positive influence on blood profile and exert cholesterol-lowering properties in broiler chickens.