Effect of Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe barbadensis Miller) Supplements on Haematological and Serum Biochemical Indices of Broiler Starters
O. E. Adeyemi-Kudaisi *
Department of Animal Production Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, Federal College of Agriculture, Moore Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria.
I. I. Popoola
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of Aloe vera gel extract (AVGE; Aloe barbadensis Miller) supplementation on performance, haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler starters. A total of 105-day-old Arbor Acre chicks were used in a 3-week trial. Birds were weighed and randomly allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomised design. Treatment 1 (control) received conventional drugs and vaccines throughout the trial. Treatments 2, 3, 4, and 5 received no drugs but were given a single vaccine dose on day 7, together with AVGE supplementation at 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 ml/kg feed, respectively, administered at 3-day intervals. All birds were fed a commercial diet. Blood samples for haematological and serum biochemical analyses were collected in week 3. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), with significance set at P < 0.05.
Results showed significant treatment effects (P < 0.05) on most parameters studied, except red blood cell count, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration, which were unaffected. Packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and white blood cell and lymphocyte counts were highest in birds supplemented with 2.5 ml AVGE/kg feed. Increasing the AVGE concentration from 2.0 to 2.5 ml/kg also increased serum urea levels.
Based on these findings, 2.5 ml AVGE/kg feed is recommended for improving packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell count and platelet formation in broiler starters. Conversely, 1.0 ml AVGE/kg feed is recommended for enhancing total protein, globulin and glucose levels while maintaining the lowest cholesterol concentration. These results suggest that AVGE exerts dose-dependent effects on broiler physiology, with different concentrations optimising distinct performance and health outcomes, thereby supporting its potential as a natural feed additive in broiler starter diets.
Keywords: Aloe vera, broiler starters, haematology, serum biochemistry, feed additive, dose-dependent effect