Growth Performance and Haematological Profile of Broiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels of Lemon Grass Leaf Meal

Background and Objective: In most developing countries, the use of leaves, seeds, fruits, bark and roots of some plants to improve the performance of farm animals is common. Some of the beneficial effects of these bioactive plant substances in animal nutrition may include the reduction of microbial threat and promotion of intestinal health. The research work was conducted to determine the effect of supplementing lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaf meal on the growth performance and haematological profile of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty day-old "Agrited" broiler chicks were distributed into four treatment groups which were replicated thrice in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four diets were compounded for the birds and the lemon grass leaf meal was added to the diets at the level of 0.75, 1.50 and 2.25%, respectively, with treatment 1 which served as the control with 0% level of lemon grass leaf meal inclusion. Feed and water were given ad-libitum throughout the experimental period of 49 days. Results: The data from the growth performance showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the values obtained in final body weight, body weight gain, average daily body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Data obtained for average feed intake and average daily feed intake did not differ (p>0.05) significantly across the treatment groups. Final body weight was superior (p<0.05) in T4 (2530 g), but lowest in T1 (2200 g), body weight gain was highest in T4 (1290 g), but least in T1 (958 g). Feed conversion ratio was at its best in T4 (1.99 g). Dietary effect on haematology results revealed that there was no significant (p>0.05) impact of lemon grass leaf meal across the treatments studied in terms of haemoglobin and red blood cell, but differences (p<0.05) in packed cell volume and white blood cell. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the inclusion of lemon grass leaf meal in the diet of broiler birds up to the levels of 2.25% can lead to an enhanced growth rate and better immunity development in the birds.