Effects of Black Plum (<i>Vitex doniana</i>) Leaf Meal Inclusion on Performance, Haematology and Serum Biochemical Indices of Cockerels

Abstract

A total of 105, 14 weeks old cockerels weighing 1.49 ± 0.023 kg were used to investigate the effects of <em>Vitex doniana </em>leaf meal (VDLM) on performance, haematological and serum biochemical parameters in cockerels over a seven-week experimental trials. The cockerels were divided into three (3) treatment groups of 0%, 5% and 10% inclusion levels of VDLM in a completely randomized design layout. The result showed significant increase (P<0.05) in final body weight, average daily weight gain and feed to gain ratio. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in all haematological parameters except for the absolute content of granulocyte which, significantly increased (P<0.05) with increase in VDLM inclusion. Serum total protein significantly increased (P<0.05) with increase in VDLM inclusion while serum potassium in the control was significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to 5% and 10% VDLM inclusions It was concluded that VDLM could be included up to 10% in cockerels diet with an improvement in performance and without detrimental alteration in haematological and serum biochemical parameters.