Haematology and serum biochemistry of broiler strains (Cobbs and Arbor-acre) fed ginger (Zingiber officinale)

A 56-day trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the hematology and serum biochemistry of two strains (Cobbs and Arbor-acre) of broiler chickens. A total of one hundred and forty- four (144) day old chicks were randomly allocated into three dietary treatments groups (T1 = Basal diet + 0% Ginger inclusion, T2 = basal diet + 0.5% Ginger inclusion, T3 = Basal diet + 1.0% Ginger inclusion level) which were replicated three times within a Completely Randomized Design. The result showed that strains had significant influence (p<0.05) on the hematological indices of the chicks except for MCV, MCHC, lymphocyte. Cobbs showed better Pack Cell Volume and MCHC While Arbor acre showed better Haemoglobin, Red Blood Cell, WBC, Mean corpuscular haemoglobin and neutrophils. For the serum biochemistry, significant variation (p<0.05) due to ginger inclusion was observed. Total protein and albumin increased with increase in ginger inclusion level while cholesterol, TG, LDL, creatinine, AST and ALT decreased with increase in ginger inclusion. Albumin and aspartate transaminase were significantly affected (p<0.05) by strain effect, with Cobbs showing higher value for albumin and lower value for AST.  Birds fed with Ginger inclusion level of 1% showed better health status as measured by hematology and serum biochemistry with the Cobbs strain showing better performance than the Arbor-acre strain.