ASSESSMENT OF WHITE BLOOD CELLS DIFFERENTIALS AND TOTAL SERUM PROTEIN IN BROILERS ADMINISTERED Justicia Carnea LEAF AND GINGER RHIZOME EXTRACTS

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of Justicia carnea leaf and ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome aqueous extracts on the white blood cell (WBC) differentials and serum protein profiles of broiler chickens over an eight-week period. Ninety-six chickens were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a completely randomized design having two replicate with 12 birds each, including a control, and giving a total of 24 birds per treatment. The extracts was administered at varying concentration for three days per week, T1 (control), T2 (2.5ml), T3 (5ml) and T4 (7.5ml). Hematological and biochemical assessments were conducted at the end of the experiment. Results indicated that neutrophil percentages increased with higher extract concentrations, suggesting an immunostimulatory effect, while lymphocyte percentages decreased, indicating a potential immunomodulatory shift. Serum protein analysis showed a complex trend with total protein and albumin levels, with an initial decrease followed by a partial recovery at higher extract concentrations, suggesting interactions with protein metabolism. Despite these trends, statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between treatment groups at the p>0.05 level, underscoring the preliminary nature of the findings. The study suggests that Justicia carnea and ginger rhizome extracts may influence broiler chicken immunity and protein metabolism. Therefore, recommended for use in broiler production.