Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 7, No. 1, 2025
Pages 193-205
DOI: 10.36108/jvbs/5202.70.0181
Effects of Crude hesperidin and Ascorbic acid on Carcass characteristics and Haematological parameters of Heat stressed Broiler finisher Chickens
Tanimomo Babatunde Kayode1* and Olafadehan Olurotimi Ayobami2
1Department of Animal Health and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria
2Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Two hundred and forty-day old un-sexed Arbor acre broilers’ chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups (T1–T4) for the purpose of investigating the effect of crude hesperidin and ascorbic acid supplementation either singly or in combination on carcass characteristics and haematological parameters of broiler finisher chickens. The study was caried out in between the month May and June during hot dry season. Crude hesperidin was extracted from dried orange using the protocol developed by [1] while ascorbic acid was obtained commercially. The test materials were administered through out experimental period at the rate of 20 mg/liter and 200 mg/ liter of water. There was improvement (P<0.05) in carcass characteristics and primal cut of the supplemented groups with highest value obtained in T3 respectively. Pack cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count were significantly (P<0.05) difference relative to the control. The result shows that, crude hesperidin and ascorbic acid either singly or in combination affect carcass characteristic and haematological indices of heat-stressed broiler chickens.
Keywords: Crude hesperidin, Ascorbic acid, Heat-stressed, Finisher chickens