Haematology and Carcass Visual Appraisal of Broiler Chickens fed Supplemental Diets of Aspilia africana, Azadirachta indica and Centrosema pubescence Leaf Meals in Humid Tropical Nigeria

A study to determine the haematology and carcass visual appraisal of broiler chickens fed basal feeds supplemented with different leaf meals was conducted. Four treatments: Basal proprietary broiler feed only (T1 - PBF) as control, basal proprietary broiler feeds with Centrosema pubescence (T2 - PBF + CLM), Azadirachta indica (T3 - PBF + NLM) and Aspilia africana (T2 - PBF + ASLM) respectively, were used in a completely randomized design (CRD). On the last day of a 63-day feeding and growth trial, a set of 2 ml blood samples were taken from 3 broilers per treatment into plastic tubes containing the anti-coagulant ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) for the determination of haematological parameters: PCV, Hb, RBC and WBC. The MCHC, MCH and MCV were also determined. Visual appraisals of their external body parts per treatment were also carried out. Results on the blood parameters of broilers fed Aspilia africana, Azadirachta indica and Centrosema pubescence leaf meals showed normal blood values recommended for healthy birds. Similarly, broilers fed these leaf meals showed a better appeal for their carcasses because of the yellow pigmentation of their body parts (shank, skin, beak and ear lobes). This will be an advantage to the consumers because it supplies vitamin A necessary for better vision. It was concluded that poultry farmers incorporate Aspilia africana, Azadirachta indica and Centrosema pubescence at 5% inclusion levels in broiler feeds because it is not deleterious and can be of additional advantage due to the attractiveness of their carcasses to consumers.