Growth and haematological parameters of Isa-brown pullets fed Phyllanthus niruri leaf meal as additive at the chick phase

Abstract

Phyllanthus niruri Linn. is an erect annual herb known for its medicinal values; thus, this study was conducted to determine the effect of graded levels of Phyllanthus niruri leaf meal (PNLM) as a substitute antibiotic feed additive on the performance and haematological parameters of pullets at the chicks phase. Four hundred and eighty, 4 weeks old pullets weighing between 204.38 - 215.63g were fed diets containing Phyllanthus niruri leaf meal for 35 days in a completely randomized design experimental layout. Treatments were: T1(0% PNLM), T2 (antibiotics), T3 (0.2%PNLM), T4 (0.3%PNLM), T5 (0.4%PNLM) and T6 (0.5%PNLM) replicated four times at 20 birds per replicate. The parameters investigated were feed intake, final weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality, and blood profiles. The final weight of pullets fed 0.5%PNLM (552.50g) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those on T1(0%PNLM) diet (530g). There was significant differences (p<0.05) in the haematology and serum parameters recorded among the treatments. Highest packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentrations of 32% and 10.9g/100 ml, respectively, was recorded in T4 (0.3%PNLM). The highest value (27 μ/l) of ALT was recorded in birds fed T6 (diet with 0.5%PNLM) and the least (16μ/l) in those on T5 (diet with 0.4%PNLM) and T1 (control diet). Inclusion of PNLM resulted in better weight gain in birds fed T6 (345g), average daily feed intake (46.03g/day/bird) in T4, feed conversion ratio (0.28) in T6 compared to T1(0% PNLM) and those treated with antibiotics (T2). Therefore, Phyllanthus niruri leaf meal may be considered as a potential alternative feed additives for layer chicken production at the chick's phase