Effect of supplementation of different forms of aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) on the haemato-biochemical and serum mineral profile of broiler chickens

The present study attempts to analyze the effect of supplementation of aloe vera on the performance of broilers. Two hundred and forty day-old unsexed broiler chicks (Cobb-400) were distributed into four treatments with four replicates, each consisting of 15 broilers. The dietary treatments were basal diet as control group (T₁) and three groups with basal diet mixed with aloe vera powder @ 0.5% in feed (T₂), gel @ 2% in feed (T₃) and fresh aloe vera juice @ 2% in drinking water (T₄), respectively. Temperature and humidity in the shed were recorded daily to calculate temperature humidity index (THI). Standard feeding and managemental practices were followed during the experimental period. At the end of the experiment i.e 42 days, four birds from each replicate were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for estimation of haemato-biochemical and serum mineral parameters. There was significant increase in haematological values for Hb, PCV, TEC and TLC in T₃ and T₄ groups, however serum mineral values of Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn and Co were higher in all the aleo vera treated group. The serum biochemicals like alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, SGPT, total bilirubin and uric acid increased significantly (P<0.05) in T₃ and T₄ aloe vera treated groups as compared to control. It can be concluded that supplementation of fresh aloe vera juice @ 2% in drinking water may elicit TLC count and thus enhance immunity in commercial broilers.