Effect of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaf and ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder as feed additives on haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chicks

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of tulsi and ginger as feed additives on haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chicks. Two hundred and ten day-old chicks divided into 7 groups and each group having 30 chicks. Control group was fed on basal diet and T₁ and T₂ group were supplemented with 0.5% and 1% of tulsi leaf powder in the ration, respectively. Likewise, G₁ and G₂ group were supplemented with 0.5% and 1% of ginger powder in the ration, respectively. T₁G₁ and T₂G₂ treatment groups were supplemented with 0.5% and 1% of both herbs in combination, respectively. Approximately 5 ml blood sample was collected aseptically from wing vein of six randomly selected birds from each group at 42^nd day of experiment for haemato-biochemistry. Highly significant (P<0.01) effect of tulsi leaf and ginger powder was observed on Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC, total protein, AST and ALT at 42^nd day of age. Serum albumin was significantly (P<0.05) increased in treatment groups G₂ and T₂G₂. The serum glucose and triglyceride level was significantly (P<0.01) reduced in all treatment groups except T₂ as compared to control group. Highest reduction in cholesterol level was observed in T₂G₂ group which showed non-significant difference with G₂ and T₁G₁ group as compared to control and other treatment groups. However, creatinine and globulin showed non-significant difference among the treatment group. It may be concluded that supplementation tulsi leaf and ginger powder as feed additives improves haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chicks.

HIGHLIGHTS

Supplementation of tulsi leaf and ginger powder @ 0.5% each significantly improved haematological parameters of broilers.

Tulsi and ginger powder supplementation @ 0.5% each improved serum biochemistry of broilers.