A study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Talinum triangulare (waterleaf) plant extract on broiler production and meat quality. A total of 75-day-old broiler chicks were used for a 35-day study which commenced after four weeks of brooding. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Aqueous extract from freshly harvested waterleaf plant were administered in drinking water of broilers at doses of 0, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/L of drinking water, for treatment groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) respectively. The effect of T. triangulare supplementation on the haematology, serum biochemistry and carcass quality were investigated. Blood for haematology and serum biochemistry was collected following standard protocols at day 0, 18, and 36 of the study. Carcass quality was evaluated at the end of the study. Results showed that treatment with aqueous extract of freshly harvested T. triangulare administered in drinking water of broilers had no significant effect on haematology parameters. 2158 significantly (p<0.5) reduced after treatment. However, high density lipoprotein values generally increased, though not significant at (p>0.5), and fat deposits around organs and abdomen was markedly depleted with treatment. Dietary supplementation with T. triangulare extracts in broilers resulted in healthier broiler lipid profile and meat, evidence is based on reduction in serum level of cholesterol and fat deposits in carcass.
Aronu Chinwe Justina, Anaga Aruh Ottah, Ihedioha John Ihedioha, Marire Benjamin Nwabueze, Anika Sylvanus Maduka
