Efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum leaf meal on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and blood profiles of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Ocimum gratissimum as a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) on growth performance, carcass, and blood profile of broiler chicken. One hundred and sixty day old broiler chickens were used for the study. Four diets were formulated to incorporate Ocimum gratissimum at 0, 50, 100 and 150 g per 100 kg of feed to form T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively. The birds were divided into four groups of forty birds and each group was assigned one of the diets in a completely randomized design. Each group was further divided into four replicates of 10 birds each. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum and data collected were statistically analyzed. The result obtained showed significant (p<0.05) differences in the final weight gain (FWG), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio both at the starter and finisher phases. T4 had the highest significant (p<0.05) final weight gain (FWG), and daily weight gain (DWG) values. The lowest significant (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) values were observed in T4. The feed intake of the birds was statistically similar (p>0.05) at both the starter and the finisher phases. Significant (p<0.05) increases were observed in dressed weight, dressing percentage, and cut-up parts (wing, thigh, drumstick, and breast) of the birds. T4 had the highest significant values for the carcass parameters. The haematological parameters analyzed showed significant (p<0.05) differences in the value for red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) values with T4 recording the highest significant (p<0.05) values for those parameters. All the serum biochemical parameters analyzed were not significantly affected (p>0.05) by the treatments. It can be concluded that Ocimum gratissimum could be added to broiler diet at 150 g/100kg as feed additive without any deleterious effect on the growth performance, carcass, and blood profiles of the birds.