Haemato-biochemical indices and gross pathology of broiler chickens orally administered Phyllantus niruri extract

One-hundred-and-twenty-day-old mixed-sex marshall breed of broiler chicks was randomly assigned to four (4) treatment groups (30 birds/experimental oral dosage levels). The treatment groups comprised T1 (control), T2, T3, and T4 containing 5ml, 10ml, and 20ml of Phyllanthus nuriri extract (PNE) stock solution per litre of water which was provided to the birds as drinking water regularly for the six weeks of the experiment. The haematological, serum metabolites, serum proteins, and gross pathology of some internal organs of the birds were examined. No significant effect (P>0.05) was observed in the packed cell volume, red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, lymphocyte, heterophil, monocyte, basophil, and eosinophil, except for mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin. Likewise, the serum proteins were not influenced (P>0.05) by PNE but alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly reduced when compared to the control group. No significant differences (P>0.05) were recorded on the gross pathology of the liver, heart, spleen, caecum, crop, proventriculus, and kidney of the broiler chickens provided with the different dosage levels of PNE. Conclusively, PNE up to 20 mL support normal haemopoietic activity and confers hepato-protective effects on broiler chickens.