World Journal of Agricultural Research, 2017, Vol. 5, No.

6, 305-309
Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/wjar/5/6/4
©Science and Education Publishing
DOI:10.12691/wjar-5-6-4

Serum Biochemistry and Sensory Evaluation of Broiler

Chicken Fed Cymbopogon citratus Leaf Meal
Chioma Gibson O., Akinsoyinu Akintunde O., Tayo Grace O, Akinboye Olufunso E.*,
Afodu Osagie J., Ndubuisi-Ogbonna Lois C., Ogbonnaya Faith C.

Department of Agriculture and Industrial Technology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author: a.funso1@gmail.com

Abstract The study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding graded levels of Cymbopogon citratus leaf
meal (CcLM) at 0,0.01,0.1, and 0.2 % respectively on the sensory and biochemical parameters of 120 broiler
chickens. The diet was isocaloric and isonitrogenous and the study lasted for 56 days after which data on
organoleptic and biochemical parameters were collected and evaluated using a completely randomized design.
Results showed that the serum glucose level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and
total protein (TP) were significant (p<0.05). Serum evaluation was done using nine panelists. Bite of different
portions of broiler meat samples weighing 10g were served at room temperature. Responses from the panelist were
obtained using the hedonic scale of ranking. Results showed that broilers raised with diet D (0.2 % CcLM) did not
adversely influenced colour, texture, odour and acceptability for consumers. The study revealed that inclusion of
CcLM in broiler chicken diet, does not have any deleterious effect on the serum biochemistry and organoleptic
parameters of broiler chicken.
Keywords: serum biochemistry, broiler chicken, Cymbopogon citratus
Cite This Article: Chioma Gibson O., Akinsoyinu Akintunde O., Tayo Grace O, Akinboye Olufunso E.,
Afodu Osagie J., Ndubuisi-Ogbonna Lois C., and Ogbonnaya, Faith. C. “Serum Biochemistry and Sensory
Evaluation of Broiler Chicken Fed Cymbopogon citratus Leaf Meal.” World Journal of Agricultural Research,
vol.5, no. 6 (2017): 305-309. doi: 10.12691/wjar-5-6-4.

1.1. Experimental Site

1. Introduction
The experiment was carried out at the Poultry and
Food is a basic need and the agricultural sector continues Livestock Teaching and Research farm, Babcock
to play a significant role in Nigeria’s economy in terms of University, Ilishan-Remo Ogun State, Nigeria. Babcock
feeding and employment [1]. For the developing countries University is located in the rain forest vegetation zone of
as a whole, the ratio of undernourished people in the Nigeria. It lies within latitude 6° 54'N and 7° 28'N of the
world population is about 12.9 per cent [2]. Poultry meat Equator and longitude 3° 42'E and 4°15'E of the
is a rich source of high quality protein, minerals and Greenwich Meridian. The average annual rainfall is
vitamins [3]. The production interval is much shorter 1500mm with altitude of about 300 meters above sea level;
compared to other livestock [1]. One of the major while the mean annual temperature is about 27°C.
challenges of chicken production in Nigeria is low quality
of ingredients used in the formulation of feeds and high 1.2. Experimental Material
cost of feeding [4]. In most developing countries, the use
of leaves, seeds, fruits, barks and root of some plants to Cymbopogon citratus seedling was identified and
improve the performance of farm animals is common [5]. authenticated at Department of Botany, University of
Cymbopogon citratus is a plant of importance because Ibadan with voucher number, UIH22565, Ibadan, Oyo
of its rich composition of phytochemicals like tannins, state Nigeria and the seedlings were grown in the field,
flavonoidsand phenols [6]. Traditionally, tea made from harvested and dried indoors.
Cymbopogon citratus leaves are popular in South America,
Asia and West Africa for its antiseptic, antifever, 1.3. Experimental Design
antidyspeptic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, febrifuge,
analgesic, spasmolytic, antipyretic, diuretic and stomachic A total of 120 broiler (Arbor Acre strains) randomly
agent [7,8,9,10,11]. This study evaluates the serum allotted to 4 treatment groups A, B,C and D of three replicates
biochemical indices and sensory parameters of broiler per treatment was used in this study after obtaining an
chicken fed with graded levels of Cymbopogon citratus ethical clearance from Babcock University Health Research
leaf meal inclusions in their diet. Ethics Committee, BUHREC281/15. Brooding lasted for
 World Journal of Agricultural Research 306

4 weeks with the introduction of graded levels of the leaf 1.4. Leaf Meal Preparation
meal in starter feed at week 2, then graded levels of leaf meal
in finisher diet was continued till week 8. The composition of The fresh leaves of Cymbopogon citratus were
the diets is as shown in Table 1 and Table 2. harvested. Preference was given to mature leaves which
Diet A = Control diet- the usual broiler feed without were directly exposed to sunlight throughout the day.
leaf meal. Harvesting was done between the hours of 016 and 017
Diet B = Control diet + 0.01% of Cymbopogon citratus when the plants must have completed their light stage of
leaf meal (CcLM) photosynthetic process for the day. The quantity of leaves
Diet C = Control diet + 0.1% of Cymbopogon citratus needed was air dried at an average room temperature of
leaf meal (CcLM) 27°C for seven days and further oven dried to constant
Diet D = Control diet + 0.2% of Cymbopogon citratus weight at 40°C for ten hours and then milled with a
leaf meal (CcLM) hammer mill sieve of 0.02mm diameter [12], to obtain a
All the treatments diets A-D had three replicates of ten (10) fine powdery meal stored at 4°C in the fridge until ready
birds each totaling one hundred and twenty (120) birds. for use.

Table 1. Composition (%) of Broiler Starter Experimental diet

Ingredients Diet A B plus 0.01% of Cc C plus0.1% of Cc D plus0.2% of Cc
Maize 55.00 55.00 55.00 55.00
GNC 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00
SBM 14.30 14.30 14.30 14.30
Fish meal (72%cp) 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
Wheat offal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Limestone 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
DCP 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
PKC 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Common Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Methionine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Lysine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Premix 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Total 100 100 100 100
Crude protein 23.08 23.08 23.08 23.08
Metabolizable energy (kcal/kg) 2960 2960 2960 2960
Ether extract 4.41 4.41 4.41 4.41
Crude Fibre 3.85 3.85 3.85 3.85

GNC = Groundnuts cake

PKC = Palm kernel cake
DCP = Dicalcium phosphate
SBM = Soyal Bean Meal.

Table 2. Composition (%) of Broiler Finisher Experimental diet

Ingredients Diet A B plus 0.01% of Cc C plus 0.1% of Cc D plus 0.2% of Cc
Maize 59.00 59.00 59.00 59.00
GNC 17.00 17.00 17.00 17.00
SBM 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00
Fish meal (72%cp) 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Wheat offal 5.30 5.30 5.30 5.30
Limestone 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50
DCP 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
PKC 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.50
Common Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Methionine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Lysine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
Premix 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Total 100 100 100 100
Crude protein 19.52 19.52 19.52 19.52
Metabolizable energy (kcal/kg) 2998 2998 2998 2998
Ether extract 4.42 4.42 4.42 4.42
Crude Fibre 3.72 3.72 3.72 3.72
GNC = Groundnuts cake
PKC = Palm kernel cake
DCP = Dicalcium phosphate
SBM = Soyal Bean Meal.
307 World Journal of Agricultural Research

The composition of the diets is shown in Table 1 for (ANOVA) in a completely randomized design [14] and
starter and Table 2 for finisher. Proximate composition of significant (P<0.05) means were compared using Duncan’s
the experimental diets was run according to AOAC [13]. Multiple Range Test (DMRT) obtained in the same
All animals were housed under identical conditions of statistical package.
temperature and humidity. Clean water and feed were
readily available to birds ad-libitum, while vaccination
and medication were done as and when due. 2. Result
1.5. Collection of Data Serum Biochemical Indices
Serum Biochemical analysis: Blood samples were There were significant decrease (p<0.05) in the serum
allowed to clot and centrifuged at 1500rpm for 20 minutes glucose levels of the broiler diets. Diet of 0.01%
to separate the sera. The sera were stored at -20oC for the Cymbopogon citratus with 58.87mg/dl serum glucose
analyses of serum glucose, total protein, albumin, creatinine, level was the lowest when compared with all groups
cholesterol, aspartate aminitransferase (AST) and alanine studied. Decrease was not directly proportional with
amino transferase (ALT). Sigma assay kits (Sigma Co. St. increased concentration of Cymbopogon citratus at 0.1%
Louis, Missouri, USA) was used in the analysis. and 0.2%. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) in the treatment groups were significantly (p<0.05)
1.6. Sensory Evaluation decreased when compared with the control and showed no
significant (p>0.05) decrease between the treatment
The sensory assessment were determined through meat groups. The enzyme activity of alanine aminotransferase
preparation which was done using a wet cooking method (ALT) was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in treatment
after samples had been obtained from the breast, thigh, groups of 0.01% and 0.1% leaf meal. There were
wing and drumstick of the birds. The samples were significant differences (p<0.05) among the treatment
cooked for ten minutes in 500mls of water with 3 grams of groups. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05)of the
common salt in an aluminum pot without any spices added. total protein (TP) in the treatment group of 0.2% leaf meal
The meat was served to 9 member trained panelists, and this group was significantly different (p<0.05) from
comprising staff and students of School of Agriculture and other treatment groups. There was also significant
Industrial Technology, Babcock University Nigeria. The decrease (p<0.05) in the albumin level in the treatment
panelists evaluated the colour, texture, odour, taste and groups when compared to the control. Treatment 0.2%
overall acceptability of the bite portions. Cymbopogon citratus had the lowest value. There were
significant increase (p<0.05) in the cholesterol level of the
1.7. Statistical Analysis serum in the treatment groups. There was a significant
decrease in the creatinine levels of the serum of 0.01%
Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance leaf meal.
Table 3. Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chicken Fed Cymbopogon citratus Leaf Meals
Parameters Diet A B plus 0.01% of Cc C plus 0.1% of Cc D plus 0.2% of Cc SEM STDValues
a c b b
GLUC (mg/dl) 84.54 58.87 75.98 73.59 1.81 152-182
AST (I.U./l) 90.27a 83.00b 85.00b 84.00b 1.71 88-208
b d c ab
ALT (I.U/l) 6.08 4.43 5.67 6.29 0.65 9.5-37.2
TP(I.U./l) 3.16a 2.91ab 3.30a 2.15b 0.34 5.2-7
ab c d d
ALB(g/dl) 2.04 1.52 1.39 1.38 0.39 2.1-3.0
CHOL(mg/dl) 19.33c 22.30ab 21.59b 21.70ab 0.97 52-148
CRT(mg/dl) 0.81b 0.78c 0.92ab 0.84b 0.94 0.9-1.85

a,b,c: Means on the same row with the same superscript are not significantly different (p>0.05)
keys: GLUC – Glucose, AST-Aspartate Aimo Transferase, ALT – Alanine Aimo Transferase, TP – Total Protein, ALB – Albumin, CHOL –
Cholesterod, CRT – Creatinine.

Table 4. Sensory Evaluation of Broiler Chicken Fed Cymbopogon citratus

Parameters Diet A B plus 0.01% of Cc C plus 0.1% of Cc D plus 0.2% of Cc SEM
Colour 7.9 7.3 7.8 8.0 0.34
Texture 7.6 7.1 6.2 7.9 0.42
Odour 7.8 6.8 7.5 8.1 0.42
Taste 7.3 7.2 7.3 7.4 0.41
ab ab ab a
Overall Acceptabilty 7.6 7.0 7.0 8.0 0.37

a,b,c: Means on the same row with the same superscript are not significantly different (P>0.05).
SEM=Standard Error of Mean
This was determined by using hedonic scale 1-9 (1=dislike extremely, 2=dislike very much, 3= dislike moderately, 4= dislike slightly, 5=neither like
nor dislike, 6= slightly like, 7=like moderately, 8= like very much, 9= like extremely).
 World Journal of Agricultural Research 308

3. Discussion 4. Conclusion
The significant (p<0.05) reduction of serum glucose The significant decrease in the levels of biochemical
level in all the treatment groups suggests that Cymbopogon marker enzymes like ALT and AST in Cymbopogon
citratus leaf meal has hypoglycemic potential. This could citratus leaf meal fed broilers might be due to decreased
be facilitated by the presence of hypoglycemic compounds leakage of the enzymes in liver cells. This suggests that
like flavonoids and alkaloids present in the leaf meal the CcLM could repair hepatic injury and/or restore
[10,15,16]. This observation agrees with the reports of cellular permeability, thus reducing liver toxicity and
Shah et al., [17]. The decrease was below the standard preventing enzymes leakage into the blood circulation.
value and was not further reduced by increased percentage From the above results, it was concluded that inclusion of
of Cymbopogon citratus in the diet. CcLM to broiler diet enhanced the hepatoprotective,
The mean serum hepatic enzymes of broiler as influenced hypoglycaemic and anti-necrotic effects on the broilers
by dietary inclusion of Cymbopogon citratus revealed without adversely affecting the organoleptic properties of
lower enzyme activities among the treatment diets. The the broiler meat.
low levels of biochemical marker enzymes like alanine
aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) in birds administered with the above plant leaf References
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