Effects of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Extract on Blood Profile of ISA Brown Layers

Abstract

Global restriction on antibiotic use in poultry production, driven largely by concerns over antimicrobial resistance and drug residues, has intensified the search for safe and natural, phytogenic alternatives like lemongrass. This study evaluated the effects of varied levels of aqueous lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extract, through drinking water, on the blood profile, of ISA Brown layers. In a completely randomized design (CRD), seventy-five (75) seven-month-old layers, randomly allotted into five Treatment (T) of fifteen (15) birds each over a twelve (12) week period. T1 (control) received plain water, while T 2, 3, 4, and 5 received 50 mL, 100 mL, 150 mL, and 200 mL of lemongrass extract per litre of drinking water, respectively. Blood samples were collected after 12 weeks and analyzed following standard procedure. Data was subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance, significant means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (p<0.05). Packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, total cholesterol, total protein, were not significant (p>0.05) while, Red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and basophils were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by lemongrass extract supplementation across treatments, reflecting an effect of the extract on the immune system of the hens. Serum glucose, albumin, and plasma protein concentrations were also significantly (p<0.05) affected, with glucose increasing progressively to a peak of 77.38 mg/dl in  T4, while albumin and plasma protein declined with increasing extract concentration. Results demonstrate that lemongrass extract exerts a dose-dependent effect on the physiological and productive performance of ISA Brown, with moderate inclusion levels consistently producing the most favourable haematological and biochemical outcomes, Overall, lemongrass extract was found to be a safe and beneficial phytogenic that can serve as a viable natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in ISA Brown layer.