Abstract

Haematological, serum biochemical and haematological histological responses were studied in cockerels undergoing a long-term supplementation with Telfairia occidentalis Leave Extract (TOLE). Haematological and serum biochemical parameters investigated included haemoblobin, white blood cells, red blood cells, lymphocytes, heterophils, monocytes, eosinophils, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase and triglyceride. Histological changes associated with Telfairia occidentalis leaves extract on the kidney, liver, spleen and testes were also examined. Result showed that birds on TOLE has higher values for most of the haematological parameters studied which were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the control. Also the total protein, globulin and alanine aminotransferase were significant (P < 0.05) for birds on TOLE having higher values while for triglycerides birds on the control treatment had the higher values which was significant. There were no significant changes in the albumin and aspayrtate aminotransferase. Histological changes showed mild to severe congestion in the spleen and testes of birds that received 120 and 150mL TOLE/L of water that also showed reduced germinal epithelium height and sloughing of the germinal epithelium respectively. Long term supplementation of TOLE for cockerel production should not exceed 60mL of TOLE per liter of water as the administration in excess of this can bring about tissue breakdown and reduced fertility. Animals suffering from blood loss can benefit from the administration of fluted pumpkin leaves extract as the extract increased erythron production.