Poultry Studies
2018, Vol 15, Num, 2 (Pages: 08-015)
Haematological, Serum Biochemical and Immunological Changes Associated with the Inclusion of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Meal in the Diet of Commercial Layer Chickens
2 National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria. - This work examined the impact of garlic as feed-inclusion on the hematology, serum proteins and enzymes, as well as, immunity of layer chickens. Day-old Isa Brown chicks (500) were separated into four groups, A, B, C and D (with each group having three replicates of 42 or 43 each), placed in rearing and given garlic meal in feed at a rate of 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 0%, respectively. Chickens (n=10, for each group) were randomly selected and bled at 6, 13, 23, 42, 50 and 56 weeks of age for the assessment of haematological parameters, serum proteins and enzymes using standard procedures. ELISA methods were used to assess Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bursal disease (IBD), vaccinal immune response and interferon gamma (IFN-ɣ) concentrations. Hemagglutination inhibition test was also used to determine ND vaccinal immune response. Mean values were compared using Dunnett`s test (p<0.05). PCV was significantly higher in Group D at 23 (29.7±0.78%) and 42 weeks-old (34.5±0.17%) while at 50 week-old, it was significantly higher in C (32.5±0.5%) compared to control Group D (22.1±0.41%). Heterophilia in D at 13 week-old and lymphocytosis in B and C at 23 and 42 weeks-old resulted in leucocytosis. Total protein values were lowest in D, albumin concentrations were significantly higher in garlic groups at 42 and 56 weeks-old and globulin concentrations were lowest in D. AST level was significantly higher in B at 42 week-old and in A and C at 56 week-old without corresponding increase in CK. Newcastle disease and IBD antibody titers were significantly lower in D only at 6 week-old. Increase in IFN-ɣ concentration post-challenge were 22 and 40 pg/ml in A and B, respectively, while it decreased by 51 pg/ml in D. Thus, garlic feed inclusion resulted in lymphocytosis, increased level of serum proteins and enhanced cellular immunity in commercial layers. However, with prolonged use, it could cause hepatocellular damage. Keywords : Chicken, Garlic, Haematology, Immunology, Serum Biochemistry
