Effect of Costus afer Extract on Serum Mineral, Biochemical, Haematological Indices and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Background and Objective: The use of the extract in poultry production has gained recognition over the years, especially in broiler birds. Extracts are part of phytogenic plant materials which have been used over the years. Extracts of plants could either be from the leaf, bark or stem of plants. The objective of this research is to determine the influence of Costus aferextract (leaf and stem) on serum mineral, biochemical, haematological indices and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 unsexed, 7 day old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments, each replicated thrice, in a completely randomized design. Bush cane leaves and stems, sourced from Anambra State, were washed, dried and ground into powder for extract preparation. The extract was administered at inclusion levels of 0, 5, 10 and 15 mL/L across treatments. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, with significant differences determined by Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% significance level. Results: The study revealed that Costus afer extract significantly influenced serum calcium, potassium levels and carcass traits in broiler chickens. Treatment 4 showed the highest live weight (3646.67 g) and carcass weight (3446.67 g), while the highest calcium level (9.31 mg/dL) was observed in treatment 2. Packed cell volume, eosinophil and cholesterol levels varied significantly across treatments, while red blood cell, triglyceride, sodium and back muscle values showed no significant differences. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the inclusion of Costus afer extract up to the level of 15 mL/L can be tolerated by the birds, without any detrimental effects on the bird’s immune system as there was no record of mortality throughout the research period.