IMPACT OF GRADED LEVELS OF SUN-DRIED PAWPAW LEAF MEAL ADDITIVES ON BLOOD PROFILE OF BROILER CHICKENS

This study evaluated the impact of graded levels of sun-dried pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf meal as feed additives on the blood profile of broiler chicken. Broiler birds were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments T1 consisting of a (control diet) without pawpaw leaf meal, T2 (consist of Basal with 1 g/kg of dried Pawpaw leaf) and T3 (consist of Basal with 5 g/kg sun-dried pawpaw leaf meal). The study was conducted for eight weeks (56 days), covering both the starter (0-28 days) and finisher (22-56 days) phases of broiler production. The birds was weighed and randomly assigned to three dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment group has three replicates, with 10 birds per replicate. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected for the determination of serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant indices and Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) One way using the statistical analysis system package (SAS, 2002). Means was separated using the Duncan multiple range test. The blood profile assessed hematological indices such as hemoglobin, PCV, platelet, WBC, Lymphocytes and also included lipid parameters (high-density lipoprotein, lowdensity lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol), globulin concentration, and antioxidant indices such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde. The results showed that graded levels of sun-dried pawpaw leaf meal had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on serum biochemical parameters, indicating that the additive did not compromise normal blood chemistry of broiler chickens. However, antioxidant enzyme activities were numerically enhanced in birds fed pawpaw leaf meal, particularly at 1 g/kg inclusion level, with a reduction in malondialdehyde concentration. The study concluded that sun-dried pawpaw leaf meal can safely be used as a natural feed additive in broiler diets, with 1 g/kg inclusion level offering optimal benefits in improving antioxidant status without adverse effects on the blood profile of broiler chickens.