Blood profile and gut microbial load of broilers fed siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) leaf meal in their diets

Abstract

The responses of 96 day old broilers fed Chromolaena odorata leaf meal (COLM) on blood profile and gut microbial load were studied for 49 days. The birds were randomly assigned to four treatment groups and replicated three times in a completely randomized design. The birds were fed four experimental diets formulated at 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% for the starter phase and 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% of COLM at the finisher phase for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. All the haematological parameters were similar (P>0.05) across the treatment groups except MCH and WBC which were significantly (P< 0.05) higher and better in the treatment groups than the control group. The results on serum chemistry showed significant (P<0.05) difference for total protein, albumin, creatinine and cholesterol across the treatment groups. Cholesterol was significantly (P<0.05) reduced with increasing levels of COLM. Results showed that coliforms and E.coli were consistently higher (P<0.05) among the T1 birds than those fed T2, T3 and T4. It was concluded that, COLM enhanced adequate haematocrit and immune status, hypoglycaemic ability, suppresses the growth of gut pathogenic microorganisms and enhanced the growth of beneficial microorganism in broilers.