Oral administration of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract: implications on performance of broiler finishers raised in derived Savannah

A four-week study was conducted to investigate the effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract (VALE) on growth, haematology and biochemical indices of broiler finisher birds. A total of 180 four-week old Arbor acre strain commercial broilers were randomly selected and assigned to four experimental treatments namely; T1-0 ml VALE (control), T2-20 ml VALE per liter of water, T3-40 ml VALE per liter of water, T4-60 ml VALE per liter of water. Daily feed and water intake were recorded. Weekly body weight was taken and used to calculate feed: gain ratio. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from twelve broilers per treatment for haematological and serum biochemical studies. Results showed that broilers on T3 (40 ml VALE) and T4 (60 ml VALE) had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced daily feed and water intake but had a better average daily weight gain and feed: gain ratio (P < 0.05). The haematological indices of the birds showed significant (P < 0.05) differences in haemoglobin, pack cell volume, and white blood cell counts in favour of birds in T3 and T4. The biochemical indices showed no differences (P > 0.05) in aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein and globulin levels. Moreover, cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein levels of birds on T3 and T4 were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced compared to those on T1 (0 ml VALE) and T2 (20 ml VALE), while albumin and high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly(P < 0.05) increased. The study showed that oral administration of 40 and 60ml VALE improved performance of birds and had no deleterious effects on haematological and serum biochemical indices of birds. Therefore, it can be used as nutrient supplement in poultry production. Key words: broiler finishers, Vernonia amygdalina, growth, haematology, biochemical indice