EFFECTS OF SHOTI (CURCUMA ZEDOARIA) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCES AND HEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKS

Abstract

The research was conducted to observe the effect of shoti meal on weight gain and some selected hematological values such as total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and biochemical parameters such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), uric acid and creatinine in broilers. Fresh rhizomes were washed, minced and dried and pulverized in a flour meal. A total of 20 broilers (16 day old) were randomly divided into four equal groups.  Group A was treated as control and groups B, C and D were fed with 5%, 10% and 15% shoti respectively for 22 days. The result showed that body weight of broilers fed 10% shoti meal (group C) was higher than that of other treated groups. After having completed the feeding trial, birds were sacrificed to collect blood samples for hematological and serum biochemical analysis. Total erythrocyte count (TEC) in group D varied significantly (p<0.05) from all other groups. The highest hemoglobin content was recorded in group B and lowest in group A (Control). Significant (p<0.05) differences were observed among the groups compared to control group. The highest erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was in group B and lowest was in group A (control) and group C (shoti 10%). Serum AST within the treated groups 15% shoti, (Group D) was significantly (p<0.05) higher to that of 5% shoti (Group B), and 10% shoti (group C). The ALT value in group A was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the other groups. Uric acid concentration within the treated groups, group C (10% shoti) showed significantly higher (p< 0.05) than the group B (5% shoti) and group D (15% shoti). Creatinine concentration decreased significantly (P<0.05) in control (group A) to that of others group. Biochemical parameters analyzed in present research is the first report in broilers.