Effect of Red Mangrove Leaves on Haematological Parameters of Broilers

A completely randomized design experiment was conducted to study the effect of mangrove leaves on the blood parameters of broilers. Sixty day old hubbard broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatment groups A, B, C, and D of 15 birds per group. All groups were replicated thrice with five birds. The birds were administered with dried powdered mangrove leaves at graded levels of 10g/Kg feed for B, 20g/Kg feed for C, and 30g/Kg for D, while A served as the control without mangrove leaves. The experiment lasted for eight weeks. Proximate analysis was carried out on the leaves for fat, crude protein, and ash contents. The blood parameters measured were PCV, RBC, and WBC. The results from the proximate analysis showed that red mangrove leaves contained 2.4% fat, 9.9% crude protein, and 34.4% ash contents. Findings from the study indicated that dietary levels of 10g/Kg, 20g/Kg, and 30g/Kg red mangrove leaves significantly increased treatment means of packed cell volume, and red blood cells. It was also observed from the study that total white blood cells were not affected by the graded levels of red mangrove leaves powder incorporated into the feeds. Red mangrove leaves are of great value on improving packed cell volume and red blood cells of broilers. This means an increased ability to carry and distribute oxygen and nutrients to the body, consequently increasing the productivity or livability of the birds. The increase in these blood parameters shows the potential of red mangrove leaves in improving the health status of broilers. Feed compounders should incorporate red mangrove leaves in their feeds