EFFECTS OF HIBISCUS CALYX EXTRACTS ON THE BLOOD CHEMISTRY OF BROILER CHICKENS

The study was conducted to determine the effects of Hibiscus calyx extracts on the blood chemistry of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty birds were used for the study. The birds were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups (n=60). Animals in group 1 serve as control and were given clean drinking water, birds in group 2 were administered Hibiscus calyx extracts in drinking water. The experiment lasted for 30 days. Mean values for Hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell and white blood cells were similar for both groups. There was no significant difference in the mean values of urea, total protein, albumin, Alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, SGPT and globulin (P>0.05). However, significant difference in the mean values of cholesterol was recorded (P<0.05). Findings of this research indicate that administration of Hibiscus calyx extracts result in lower blood cholesterol levels