Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the haematological parameters of broilers fed Moringa oleifera leaf supplemented feed and had been challenged with a very virulent infectious bursal disease virus. Two hundred and forty day-old Ross 308 hybrid broiler chicks were assigned into four groups (A,B,C,D) of 60 chicks each in a deep litter type housing. While groups A and B were fed with formulated broiler starter and finisher containing 5% Moringa oleifera leaf, groups C and D were fed with formulated broiler starter and finisher without Moringa oleifera leaf. Groups A and C were vaccinated intramuscularly against infectious bursal disease (IBD) at 14 and 21 days of age, and Newcastle’s disease at 18 days of age. Groups A, B and C were intraocularly challenged at 35 days of age with 0.05 ml of a live vv IBDV. Groups B and D served as positive and negative control respectively. Blood was collected from 10 broilers in each group via the wing vein at 35, 38 and 42 days of age for various haematological indices. A significant decrease in the values of lymphocytes counts in group B at 38 days of age was observed. Heterophil / lymphocyte ratio had significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in group D at 38 days of age. Packed cell volume significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at 38 days of age in groups A, B, C and D and subsequently increased (P < 0.05) by 42 days of age in groups B, C and D. Red blood cell count was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in group B and C at 38 days of age, while haemoglobin concentration significantly increased (P < 0.05) at 42 days of age in group B and D. Feeding broilers with5% MOL supplemented diet without vaccination did not prevent vvIBDV from causing a decrease in lymphocyte count 3 dpi in broilers of group B.