ABSTRACT
This study investigates the effects of Justicia carnea leaf and Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizome aqueous extracts on the hematological parameters of broiler chickens, focusing on red blood cell (RBC) indices and white blood cell (WBC) differentials. Broiler chickens, optimized for rapid growth and high meat yield, face challenges such as disease susceptibility, poor feed efficiency, and the overuse of synthetic growth promoters, which have raised concerns about antibiotic resistance and environmental sustainability. The study explores the potential of Justicia carnea and ginger extracts as natural alternatives to synthetic additives, given their bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties
The experimental approach involved a five-week study at the University of Benin Teaching and Research Farm, Nigeria, using 96 four-week-old broilers across four treatment groups receiving varying extract doses in drinking water. A completely randomized design guided the setup, with blood samples analyzed for haematological impacts using ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test, offering a solid methodology to assess the extracts’ efficacy and safety in broiler oral administration. Results revealed no significant alterations in red blood indices (e.g., RBC count, PCV, haemoglobin) or white blood cell differentials across treatments, indicating the extracts’ safety without inducing haematotoxicity. A subtle, non-significant rise in WBC count and neutrophils suggests potential immune enhancement, while stable red blood parameters affirm physiological health, consistent with prior findings on these phytogenic additives’ benefits in poultry.The findings endorse Justicia carnea and ginger extracts as viable natural feed additives that maintain broiler health without adverse haematological effects, supporting their role in sustainable poultry production. The study advocates their dietary inclusion, further dosage optimization research, and routine blood monitoring to maximize benefits, aligning with global pushes for antibiotic-free meat and enhanced broiler performance.
