ABSTRACT

One of the reliable information for evaluating nutritional status, performance and physiological state of farm animals for nutrient utilization is through serum biochemistry parameters assessment. Eight weeks study was conducted using 112 broiler chickens at the University of Benin Experimental and Research farm, Benin city; Edo state. At fifth week of age, the chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments in two treatment extract groups (Justicia carnae leaf and Curcuma longa rhizome) extract groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). The chicks were housed in a deep litter pen with only one central control and each treatments having two replicates. 10mls, 15mls and 20mls of the different aqueous extract groups were administered through the drinking water of the experimental birds. At the end of the study period, the parameters measured were serum protein, serum bilirubin, serum enzymes, glucose and kidney function parameters for each of the treatment groups and the central control. The result shows that the total protein (g/l), globulin (g/l), alkaline phosphate (IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (IU/L) differed significantly (p<0.05) among treatment groups in the both extract groups. Albumin (g/l), total bilirubin (mg/dl), conjugate bilirubin (mg/dl), aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L), glucose (mg/dl), urea (mg/dl), and creatinine (mg/dl) shows no significant difference (p>0.05) among treatments in the both plant extract groups. The findings of this research shows that the inclusion of Justicia carnae leaf and Curcuma longa rhizome aqueous extracts has no detrimental effects on the serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Thus its inclusion is encouraged in the management of broiler chickens under the tropical condition.