Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens to Varying Dietary Levels of Scent Leaf (Ocimium Gratissimum) Meal

Abstract

A total of ninety six (96) four- weeks old broiler chickens were used in an experiment designed to determine the physiological response of broiler chickens to varying dietary levels of scent leaf (ocimium gratissimum) meal. The chickens were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with 0 %, 0.45 %, 0.75 % and 1.05 % inclusion levels of scent leaf meal designated as Treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Each treatment had three replicates with eight birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. Physiological parameters studied were rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate. Results showed that rectal temperature of the chickens ranged from 41.09°C to 41.94°C; respiration rate and pulse rate ranged from 66.91 breaths/min. to 72.41 breaths per/min. and 219.54 beats/min. to 225.00 beats/min. respectively. Results of analysis of variance showed significant treatment effect (p < 0.05) on respiration rate and pulse rate. Rectal temperature was not affected by treatment (p > 0.05). It was concluded that scent leaf meal may be included in finisher broilers’ diet at 0.75 % for optimum physiological performance.