Effects of Superliv® Supplementation in Feed on Haematological Parameters of Post Peak Shika Brown Layers

Abstract

The effects of Superliv^®, a proprietary herbal feed additive, on some haematological parameters of laying hens were evaluated to determine the possible influence of the herbal feed supplement on the physiological status of laying birds in declining production phase of their life cycle. Fifty post peak Shika Brown layers were randomly assigned to five experimental groups (A-E) of 10 birds each. Group A birds were fed plain feed while groups B, C, D and E birds received feed supplemented with Superliv at the rate of 250g, 500g, 750g or 1000g per ton respectively over an experimental period of 12 weeks. They were monitored group wise, weekly, for some haematological parameters such as packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), blood haemoglobin concentration (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte indices and differential WBC counts. Superliv supplementation caused significant increases in PCV (P<0.0001), RBC (P<0.0001), Hb (P<0.0001) but no significant (P>0.05) changes in WBC, erythrocyte indices and differential WBC counts. The effects were most marked in the group that received 250g/ton of Superliv in feed. It is suggested that Superliv may induce production enhancement effects in post peak layers by acting as a haematenic. 250g/ton is recommended as the optimal inclusion rate for Superliv in layers’ feed.