







































 

 

 
12 

© 2023 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Blood and carcass characteristics of two chicken strains subjected to Ocimum graticimum leaf 
based diet as substitute for synthetic antibiotics   

 

 

 Emenim Raphael 
Onainor1,3  

 Ufuoma Godstime 
Sorhue1+ 

 Lawrence Bratte1 

 Ikenna Sylvanus 
Omeje1 

 Adimabua Mike 
Moemeka2 

 Joseph Uguru4 

1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State 
University Abraka, Nigeria. 
1,3Email: merryraph@yahoo.com  
1Email: gtsorhue@yahoo.com  
1Email: lawrencebrt@gmail.com  
1Email: siomeje@gmail.com  
2Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Dennis Osadebey 
University, Asaba, Nigeria. 
2Email: maikeadison1@gmail.com  
3Department of Agricultural Education, Delta State College of Education, 
PMB 4088 Sapele Nigeria. 
4Department of Animal Science, Ebonyi State University, PMB 053, 
Abakaliki, Nigeria. 
4Email: joseph.uguru@ebsu.edu.ng  
 

 
(+ Corresponding author) 

 ABSTRACT 
 
Article History 
Received: 2 May 2023 
Revised: 19 June 2023 
Accepted: 26 June 2023  
Published: 6 July 2023 
 

Keywords 
Antibiotic alternatives 
Broilers 
Haematology 
Phytogenics 
Strains. 

 
This study was designed to evaluate the effect of graded levels of scent leaf meals on 
blood parameters and carcass characteristics among two broiler strains. A total of 150 
unsexed broilers consisting of 75 Abor Acre and 75 Cobb were randomly allotted into 5 
treatments of 15 birds for each strain. Treatment one (T1) had no scent leaf meal 
(control); treatment two (T2), treatment three (T3), treatment four (T4) and treatment 
five (T5) had 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% throughout the experimental period (56days). 
Blood samples and carcass characteristics were evaluated after the feeding trial and 
subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. Results revealed 
that diets and strain significantly (P < 0.05) affected live weight, dressed weights, and 
dressing percentages. T3 had the highest live and dressed weight (2091.50 ± 85.27 g 
and 1737.67 ± 22.16 g), while T5 recorded the lowest (1700 ± 102.47 g and1253.17 ± 
68.09 g). Cobb was superior to Arbor acre for all carcass traits except for leg weight. 
Red Blood Cell, White Blood Cell, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean Corpuscular 
Haemoglobin and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Count of the two strains were 
significantly (P < 0.05) different, while Pack Cell Volume, Haemoglobin, Neutrophils, 
Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinphils and Basophils were not significantly different (P 
> 0.05). This study revealed no detrimental effect of the test ingredients on birds, 
though 1.5% inclusion rate could be tolerated, 1.0% is recommended for optimum 
performance, and can therefore efficiently replace synthetic antibiotic in broiler 
production. 
 

Contribution/Originality: The observed deposits of chemical residues in meats due to antibiotic use have 

necessitated alternative sources. This study therefore contributes to existing literatures by accessing the 

implications of phytobiotics on blood and carcass characteristics in two common broiler strains, which are 

characters required for efficient and profitable broiler production. 

 

 

 

Animal Review 
2023 Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 12-20. 
ISSN(e): 2409-6490 
ISSN(p): 2412-3382 
DOI: 10.18488/92.v10i1.3401 
© 2023 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9039-2404
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8061-6662
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8429-463X
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4704-441X
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2956-0987
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1048-4320
mailto:merryraph@yahoo.com
mailto:gtsorhue@yahoo.com
mailto:lawrencebrt@gmail.com
mailto:siomeje@gmail.com
mailto:maikeadison1@gmail.com
mailto:joseph.uguru@ebsu.edu.ng
https://www.doi.org/10.18488/92.v10i1.3401


Animal Review, 2023, 10(1): 12-20 

 

 
13 

© 2023 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

1. INTRODUCTION 

Chicken which is poultry meat is an essential component of animal protein both man and livestock. Broiler 

which is a fast growing meat-type bird are table ready between 8 - 10wks of age and must have reached 1.8 to 2.5 

kg at 8 to 10 [1]. Broilers are over stressed due to intensification of production to meet demand leading to the 

proliferation of pathogenic disease infections which is a major problem facing poultry industry [2]. This has 

continued to threaten the poultry industry leading to reduced growth rate and high economic losses. Unfortunately, 

synthetic antibiotics which had hitherto been used to reduce this ugly phenomenon had continued to cause negative 

effects due to growth of resistance resulting from continuous and prolong use. The continuous and prolong use of 

synthetic antibiotics had been revealed to cause accumulated residues in poultry product, as well as exchange in 

antibiotic resistance between animal and man, hence, restrictions and ban have become the only alternative solution 

in most countries  [3, 4]. Hence, the search for reasonable and cautious alternatives is beginning to gain popularity 

in animal nutrition. Animal scientists are currently into phytogenics in order to overcome the high economic losses 

resulting from diseases in animal farms [5]. Phytogenics are used mainly as growth promoters and health 

stabilizers in animal diet, they include saponin, Tanin, essential oils and flavonoid, extracted from medicinal plants  

(spices and herbs), since they fight pathogenic microorganisms and contain antioxidants [6]. Scent leaf which is a 

very good and important type of medicinal plant used as additive had been reported to improve growth performance 

in finishing broilers, improve weight gain and carcass characteristics of broilers [7, 8]. Scent leaf and other plant 

derived product have been certified safe to use in livestock feeding as feed additives because of its capacity to fight 

disease pathogens and enhance growth [9]. High addition rates of the test ingredient have also been reported to 

reduce inflammation and enhance growth in chickens [10]. However, there is inadequate research information on 

the effects of Ocimum gratissimum on the haematological and carcass attributes of broiler birds, hence the need for 

this study.  

 

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 

2.1. Experimental Site and Ethical Approval  

This study was executed at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm of Delta State University, 

Asaba Nigeria. The Departmental research Board approved this experiment; with reference number PhD - 0303202.  

 

2.2. Experimental Birds and Management 

A total of 150 unsexed broilers consisting of 75 Cobb and 75 Arbor Acre strains were used for the study. The 

birds were raised on deep - litter and fed for 56 days. All routine management practices for broiler management 

were followed according to Sorhue, et al. [10].  

 

2.3. Experimental Diets and Design 

One hundred and fifty (150) unsexed day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted into five dietary treatment 

groups. The treatments were made up of 75 birds of each strain to give 15 birds per sub-treatment and each 

treatment was replicated thrice in a completely randomized block design.  Birds were given routine vaccination for 

young chicks, while feed and water were supplied adlibitum for the entire duration of the experiment. The test 

ingredient/Scent Leaf Meal (SLM) was introduced in week two for treatments two (0.5%), treatment three (1.0%), 

treatment four (1.5%), and treatment five (2.0%), while treatment one served as the control group receiving normal 

medication routine for broilers. The feeds used for Treatment one to treatment five were formulated to contain 

between 22.12 % - 22.21 % crude protein and 2792.03 Metabolizable Energy ME Kcal/Kg, Dry Matter (DM) -

2803.43 ME Kcal/Kg DM for starter phase, and 20.19 - 20.28 ME Kcal/Kg DM and 2833.54 - 2844.94 ME 

Kcal/Kg DM for finisher phase as recommended by National Research Council (NRC) [11]. The proximate 



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© 2023 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

composition of test ingredient used for this study contained 7.47, 14.38, 6.04, 2.49, 3.75, and 65.87 percent of 

moisture, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash and Nitrogen free extract respectively.  

 

2.4. Data Collection 

At the end of 56days feeding trial, 6 birds were randomly collected per treatment, three per strain. The selected 

birds were fasted for 16 hours, weighed before euthanized by cervical dislocation. The birds were later scalded at 

65oC in steaming water for 30 seconds before de-feathering. Thereafter the carcasses were disemboweled, and the 

different parts and organs such as legs, wings, chest and neck region, gizzard, kidneys, heart, liver and spleen were 

collected and weighed and the values expressed in grams (g). Blood samples for haematological evaluation were 

collected with the aid of a sterilized disposable syringe from under the wing veins. Just before the broilers were bled 

a cotton wool swab soaked in 70% ethanol was used to sterilize the skin and to dilate the vein. The blood samples 

were collected from the six sampled birds per treatment and transferred into a labeled sterile container with 

Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic acid (EDTAA) as an anti-coagulant and used to determine the following 

hematological components: Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell count (RBC), White blood 

cell count (WBC), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean corpuscular 

haemoglobin concentration (MCHC).  RBC, WBC, Hb, and PCV were determined according to standard procedures 

as described by Sorhue, et al. [12] while MCV, MCH, and MCHC were calculated using standard expressions. 

Differential Leukocyte counts:  Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils and Basophils were carried out 

on blood smear stained with Leishman stain using standard techniques. 

 

2.5. Data Analysis 

Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Significantly 

different means were separated using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test at 5% level of significance [13]. 

 

Table 1. Effect of dietary treatments on carcass characteristics of broilers. 

Parameter 
(g/broiler) 

T1 
0.0% SLM 

T2 
0.5% SLM 

T3 
1.0% SLM 

T4 
1.5% SLM 

T5 
2.0% SLM 

LWT 1893.33±18.92b 1835.83±16.08b 2091.50±15.27a 1968.00±17.30ab 1700.00±12.47c 
DWT 1396.50±16.09ab 1421.33±12.95ab 1737.67±22.16a 1589.67±12.52ab 1253.17±18.09b 
DP 73.60±0.94c 76.58±2.08bc 82.91±2.96a 80.62±0.78ab 73.89±1.49c 
Legs 340.33±41.23 336.50±52.90 376.17±19.93 336.33±13.45 288.17±27.21 
Wings 215.33±18.50 199.50±35.93 228.17±23.25 207.67±12.21 190.67±18.29 
Chest 275.83±41.51b 263.17±48.92b 413.67±36.84a 373.50±47.92ab 288.33±26.48ab 
Neck 77.83±12.11b 77.17±10.08b 89.17±3.77a 65.67±7.74bc 63.00±9.71c 
Liver 41.56±2.58b 40.26±3.68b 45.71±1.94a 42.96±2.84b 37.93±1.96c 
Gizzard 51.54±4.06ab 49.68±5.70b 55.18±4.75a 43.51±4.48b 41.06±2.63b 
Lungs 10.79±0.56ab 10.46±0.95ab 12.22±0.53a 11.22±0.78ab 9.65±0.58b 
Heart 8.14±0.43 7.89±0.71 8.99±0.37 8.46±0.59 7.30±0.44 
Spleen 2.46±0.12 2.41±0.23 2.73±0.11 2.56±0.18 2.21±0.13 
Kidney 5.49±0.29 5.33±0.48 6.06±0.25 5.71±0.39 4.94±0.29 

 

Note: LWT - Live weight; DWT - Dressed weight; DP- Dressing percentage; a, b, c: Means values with different superscripts on the same row are significant 
(P<0.05). 

 

 

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 

3.1. Effect of Dietary Treatment on Carcass Characteristics of Broilers 

Table 1 shows the effect of dietary treatment on carcass characteristics of broiler birds fed experimental diet. 

The result revealed significant (P<0.05) differences in Average live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, 

chest weight, neck weight, liver weight, gizzard weight and lungs. T3 with 1.00% SLM had the highest live weight 

(2091.50±85.27g) while T5 with 2.00% SLM recorded the lowest (1700.00±102.47g). Similarly, T3 had the highest 

dressed weight (1737.67±22.16g) and T5 had the lowest (1253.17±68.09g). Similar trend was observed in mean 



Animal Review, 2023, 10(1): 12-20 

 

 
15 

© 2023 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

values for legs, chest, neck and internal organs. However, there was no significant (P>0.05) difference in mean 

values for legs, wings, heart, spleen and kidney. The significant (P<0.05) differences observed in dressed weight, 

weights of legs and neck are in agreement with Odoemelam, et al. [7] for scent leaf supplemented diets. The range 

of 73.60 for T1 to 82.91 for T3 for dressing percentage in this study were above the range of 68.60% - 73.40% 

reported by Duncan [13] but falls within recommended range of 79-82% for chickens. The mean value of 82.91% 

for T3 obtained in this study is also within the range of 81.68 - 84.50% reported by Isikwenu, et al. [14] for 

broilers, and is slightly higher than reports by Bamgbose and Niba [15]. The significantly heavier dressed carcass 

weight and higher dressing percentage of birds fed 1.00% (T3) confirms that they were better and most efficient in 

nutrient utilization with regards to digestion, absorption and assimilation [16]. Similar results were also obtained 

for all cut parts expressed as percentage of live weight. The mean values for the legs, wings, heart, spleen and 

kidney were numerically higher for birds fed 1.00% (T3). They were however not significantly (P>0.05) different 

across the groups, which is similar to the report of Olumide and Akintola [17]. This implies that the Scent leaf 

meal had no deleterious effect on the carcass of the broiler birds since dressing percentage can be influenced by 

several factors including; sex, diet, castration, time spent in liarage, the actual dressing process (skinning or 

scalding), as well as time of collection in relation to the biological growth curve, size, weight and age of the animals. 

 

Table 2. Effect of strain on carcass characteristics of broilers. 

Parameter (G/broiler) Arbor acre (AA) Cobb (CB) 

Live weight 1880.13±79.54b 1915.53±81.48a 
Dressed weight 1467.95±76.89b 1491.40±75.79a 
Dressing % 77.44±1.62 77.61±1.31 
Legs 356.20±23.38a 314.80±18.74b 
Wings 207.87±15.51 208.67±12.76 
Chest 320.60±26.39 325.20±31.95 
Neck 72.53±6.75b 76.60±5.92a 
Liver 40.84±1.74b 42.52±1.73a 
Gizzard 48.09±3.22 48.80±2.75 
Lungs 10.85±0.48 10.89±0.47 
Heart 8.08±0.34b 8.23±0.35a 
Spleen 2.45±0.11 2.49±0.11 
Kidneys 5.46±0.23 5.56±0.24 

 

Note: A,B: Mean values within the same  row with different letter superscript are 
significantly (P<0.05) different. 

 

 

 3.2. Effect of Strain on Carcass Characteristics of Birds Fed Experimental Diets 

The result Table 2 showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in the two broiler strains for live 

weight, dressed weight, weight of legs, neck, liver and heart of broiler strain fed Scent leaf meal diet at varying 

levels. Cobb (CB) had higher values for most of the carcass parameters which were significant except for the weight 

of the legs which value was higher for the Arbor acre (AA) strain (356.20g) than Cobb (314.80g). Cobb had higher 

neck weight (78.60g) than Arbor acre (72.53g). Cobb had significantly higher live weight and dressed weight 

(1915.53g and 1491.40g) than Arbor acre (1880.13g and 1467.95g) respectively. The dressing percentage was 

numerically higher for Cobb (77.61%) than Arbor acre (77.44%). Cobb also had higher liver and heart weights than 

Arbor acre. However, there are diverse reports on the supremacy of the most familiar strains of broilers with 

particular reference to their carcass traits. Reports Fadare, et al. [18] indicates a significant difference in dressing 

yield of Cobb and Arbor acre broiler strains. It was revealed that Cobb strain produced significantly higher mean 

dressing percentage (77.19±3.79%) than Arbor acre strain (70.63±1.79%). The superiority of Cobb strain over 

Arbor acre strain in this study is also in consonance with the findings of Zaman, et al. [19] which had higher 

dressing percentage (though not significant) for Cobb strain than Arbor acre strain. In this present study, there 

were no significant (P>0.05) differences for dressing percentage, wings, chest, gizzard, lungs, spleen and kidney 



Animal Review, 2023, 10(1): 12-20 

 

 
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© 2023 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

between the Cobb and Arbor acre strains. Non-significant differences in dressing percentage contradicted reports of 

Fadare, et al. [18] for broiler strains.  

 

Table 3. Effect of dietary treatment on hematological parameters of broilers. 

 
 
Parameter 

T1 
0.0% 
SLM 

T2 
0.5% 
SLM 

T3 
1.0% 
SLM 

T4 
1.5% 
SLM 

T5 
2.0% 
SLM 

PCV (%) 36.00±1.29b 35.50±1.67b 36.33±1.56b 42.00±0.73a 39.83±1.60a 
Hb (g/dl) 11.95±0.48b 12.24±0.52ab 12.25±0.57ab 13.58±0.41a 13.12±0.52ab 
RBC   3.90±0.22c 4.40±0.18b 4.45±0.38b 5.03±0.06a 3.87±0.28c 
WBC  6100±27.08ab 5566.67±33.33c 5750±29.36bc 6250±88.51a 5933.33±13.33abc 
Neutrophils (%) 49.33±0.84b 51.17±2.56b 49.16±3.15b 56.00±1.37a 51.33±0.66a 
Lymphocyte (%) 45.33±0.72b 46.33±1.91a 47.00±2.11a 39.00±1.53a 43.67±1.20a 
Monocyte (%) 1.17±0.40 1.17±0.31 1.67±0.56 2.33±0.56 2.33±0.33 
Eosinophil (%) 2.83±0.40a 1.83±0.65ab 1.67±0.56b 1.83±0.31ab 1.83±0.54ab 
Basophils (%) 0.17±0.17 0.17±0.16 0.67±0.17 0.00±0.00 0.00±0.00 
MCV (fl) 91.95±3.67b 80.64±1.58c 87.39±8.68bc 83.22±1.88c 105.09±3.27a 
MCH(pg) 29.97±1.03b 27.19±0.45c 28.81±3.06bc 27.65±0.58c 33.89±0.89a 
MCHC(g/dl) 33.35±0.01b 33.49±0.07a 33.41±0.05ab 33.35±0.49b 33.35±0.02b 

 

Note: a,b,c: Mean values within the row with different superscripts are significantly different (P<0.05); PAR=Parameter; Red blood cell (RBC x106/mm3), 
White blood cell (WBC x103/mm3) (MCHC)-Mean corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration, Hb-Haemoglobin Concentration; (MCH)-Mean 
Corpuscular Haemoglobin, (MCV)-Mean Corpuscular Volume. 

 

 

3.3. Effect of Dietary Treatment on Haematological Parameters of Broilers 

The results of dietary treatment on haematological parameters of broiler birds fed Scent leaf meal are shown in 

Table 3. There were significant effects (P<0.05) of dietary treatment on almost all the haematological parameters 

examined except for Monocytes and Basophils. T4 had the highest PCV value (42.00±0.73) which was not 

significantly different from T5 (39.83±1.60). T4 and T5 are significantly different from treatments 1 to 3.  

Differences in RBC and WBC counts were also significant with T4 having the highest mean values of 5.03 ± 0.06 

(x106/mm3) and 6250.00 ± 88.51 (x103/mm3) respectively. The control had the highest mean value (2.83±0.40) for 

eosinophil while T3 had the lowest (1.67±0.56) though not significantly different from other Scent leaf meal treated 

groups (T2, T4 and T5). The values of the broiler birds for MCV and MCH were significant, with T5 recording the 

highest mean values of 105.09±3.27 and 33.89±0.89 respectively. The mean value for PCV ranged from 35.50-

42.00%, which is within the normal range of 35-55% reported by Mitruka and Rawnsley [20] for healthy birds and 

24.90-45.20% reported by Oguntoye, et al. [21]. There were significant increases in the value of PCV as the level of 

inclusion of Scent leaf meal increased up to T4. The highest value was recorded by T4 (1.50% SLM) which was not 

significantly different from T5 (2.00% SLM) while T2 (0.50% SLM) had the lowest PCV value which was not 

significantly different from the control (0.00% SLM). This is supported by the finding of Olumide, et al. [22] which 

recorded a steady improvement in percentage PCV, RBC, WBC and Haemoglobin (Hb) when broiler diets were 

supplemented with SLM at the rate of 100g, 200g, 300g or 400g/100kg. Similarly, Olobake and Okaragu [23] who 

supplemented broiler diets with SLM at rate of 1%, 2% and 3% recorded higher MCH and MCV than the control 

(without scent leaf meal), though with no significant mean differences. In the same vein, Ogbu and Amaefule [8] 

and Adeleye, et al. [24] observed no significant difference (p<0.05) effect of Scent leaf on blood parameters of 

broilers. However, Chineke, et al. [25] reported a significant reduction in haemoglobin (Hb), PCV, RBC contents of 

the blood of broiler chicken at starter stage, but non-significant for all the haematological parameters measured at 

the finisher stage. The differences observed could be caused by the level of inclusion of Scent leaf in the diets, age 

and the breed of the birds. PCV is involved in transportation of oxygen and absorption of nutrients. It is important 

in the diagnosis of anaemic condition.  A PCV that is lower than 35% indicates anaemic condition while increased 

PCV suggests better and more oxygen transportation and utilization by the cells and thus preventing anaemic 

condition [24].  Similarly, RBC count increased with increasing Scent leaf meal inclusion of up to T4 (1.50%). The 



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© 2023 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

control (T1) without Scent leaf meal had the lowest. This study corresponds with the report of Chineke, et al. [25] 

which revealed that PCV resulted to an increased number of RBC count.  

The range of haemoglobin observed was 11.95g/dl (T1) - 13.58g/dl (T4) falls within normal range of 7-13g/dl 

recorded by Bounous and Stedman [26] for chickens. The result showed that there were significant differences in 

mean values for the white blood cell across the treatment groups. Treatment 4 (1.5% SLM diet) indicated higher 

significant value of 6250 (x103/mm3) than the control (T1) 6100 (x103/mm3). The red blood cell (RBC) increased 

with increasing level of Scent leaf meal inclusion up to 1.50% (T4) with a mean value of 5.03 (x106/mm3).  It also 

showed that the SLM inclusion could only be tolerated up to 1.50% SLM inclusion by the broiler birds with a 

decline at T5 which was not significantly different from T1. Haemoglobin concentration is a determinant of the 

oxygen carrying capacity of the blood circulatory system while the RBC is responsible for the transport of oxygen 

from the lungs to the tissues. The result obtained showed a significant increase in RBC with increasing level of 

Scent leaf meal inclusion up to 1.50%. The values ranged from 3.90±0.22 (T1, the control) – 5.03±0.06 (T4) which 

is higher than 2.0 (x103mm3) reported by Thrall [27] for exotic chicken. White blood cells (WBC) are mainly 

recognized as a defense system of the body, and the observed significant differences in the WBC values are 

indications of differences in the body defense potential [28]. Hence the broiler birds that received 1.50% SLM (T4) 

had the highest immunity and therefore should be the least susceptible to infection and anaemia. MCV was 

significantly different (P<0.05) with a range of 80.64fl (T2)-105.09fl (T5). MCH was also significant with T5 

(33.49pg) significantly (P<0.05) higher than T1 (29.79pg).  MCV and MCH have taken a similar pattern with 2.00% 

(T5) SLM having significantly (P<0.05) higher mean values than the control (T1). Since MCH is an indication of 

blood carrying ability of the RBC, this could mean that 2.00% (T5) SLM is more efficient in performing respiratory 

function. MCHC was significantly different with T2 (33.49g/dl) showing higher mean value than T1 (33.35g/dl) 

which was not significantly different from T3, T4 and T5.  Previous reports [23] observed that the MCV and 

MCH of Scent leaf meal supplemented diets were higher than control, though with no significant differences in 

means. Some authors [8, 29] reported no significant effect of Scent leaf on blood parameters of broilers. The result 

of Lymphocyte and Neutrophils show significant differences with T3 having significantly higher value than the 

control for lymphocytes and T4 mean value was significantly higher than control for Neutrophils.  The values 

observed for monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils were within the normal range of healthy birds 

according to Archetti, et al. [30]. The variations observed in the haematological indices of birds in this study might 

be due to genotype differences, age, physiological condition and nutrition [31]. 

 

Table 4.  Effects of strain on haematological parameters of broilers. 

Parameter Arbor acre (AR) Cobb (CB) 

PCV (%) 37.00±1.20 38.86±0.88 
Hb (g/dl) 12.49±0.39 12.77±0.32 
RBC (x106/mm3) 3.97±0.18b 4.69±0.14a 
WBC (x103/mm3) 5773.33±128.91b 6066.67±94.95a 
Neutrophils (%) 50.93±1.49 51.86±1.17 
Lymphocytes (%) 44.27±1.36 44.27±1.05 
Monocytes (%) 1.93±0.33 1.53±0.26 
Eosinophils (%) 1.93±0.34 2.07±0.25 
Basophils (%) 0.20±0.11 0.00±0.00 
MCV (fl) 94.48±3.44a 84.85±3.25b 
MCH (pg) 31.19±1.01a 27.81±1.04b 
MCHC (g/dl) 33.44±0.04a 33.34±0.01b 

      

Note: A,B: Mean values with different letter superscript are significantly 
(P<0.05) different. 

 

 

3.4. Effects of Strain on Haematological Parameters of Broiler 

The effects of strains on haematological parameters as shown in Table 4 reveals that RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, 

and MCHC of the strains were significantly different (p <0.05) while PCV, Hb, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, 



Animal Review, 2023, 10(1): 12-20 

 

 
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© 2023 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

Monocytes, Eosinophils and Basophils were not significant. The PCV, though not significantly different, falls 

within the normal range of 35-55% reported by Mitruka and Rawnsley [20] and 24.90-45.20% reported by 

Oguntoye, et al. [21]. Since MCH indicates blood conveying potentials of the red blood cell (RBC), Arbor acre 

having significantly higher MCH value is more efficient in performing respiratory function than the Cobb as 

observed by Isaac, et al. [32]. White blood cells are known to fight against disease pathogens. Cobb with higher 

WBC count has higher immune status than Arbor acre and therefore is capable of generating antibodies during 

phagocytosis and has higher resistance to diseases [32] Red blood cell functions as a carrier of haemoglobin and it 

is involved in movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the body [32]. Haemoglobin is an iron-

containing pigment found in the red blood cells of most animals. It illustrates the movement of oxygen and carbon 

dioxide in and out of the tissues for oxidation of digested food during energy production [12, 33]. A lower red 

blood count implies a lower oxygen and carbon dioxide that will be carried to the tissues and back to lungs 

respectively. This will also affect the rate of oxidation to release energy required for the various body functions.  

 

4. CONCLUSION 

Scent leaf meal in diet of broilers performs best at 1% inclusion rate; however, 1.5% inclusion could be tolerated 

since it tends to enhance blood health characteristics and showed no detrimental effects to carcass characteristics. 

Overall, the test ingredients have proven a better replacement for synthetic antibiotics considering the performance 

of experimental birds. 

 

Funding: This work was supported by the Delta State College of Education Mosogar through the Tertiary 
Education Trust Fund (Grant number: TETFUND/DESS/COE/MOSOGAR/IBR/2015/VOL.1). 
Ethical Statement: The Ethical Committee of the Department of Animal Science, Delta State University 
Abraka, Nigeria, has granted approval for this study on 18 November 2022 (Ref. No. PhD-18112022). 
Data Availability Statement: The corresponding author can provide the supporting data of this study upon 
a reasonable request. 
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.  
Authors’ Contributions: The idea, concept and planning, E.R.O., L.B., I.S.O. and U.G.S.; supervision, L.B. 
and I.S.O.; execution, E.R.O., U.G.S., A.M.M, and J.U.; the draft, E.R.O.; editing, U.G.S., L.B., and I.S.O. All 
authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  

 

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