Supplementation with aqueous extract of Talinum triangulare and effect on the hematology and serum biochemistry in growing pullets

Abstract

The effects of administration of Talinum triangulare aqueous extract on the hematology and serum biochemistry of growingpullets was studied. Ninety ISA Brown chicks purchased at 1 day old were randomly assigned into three groups: PA, PB, and PC. Pulletsin groups PA and PB received 1000 mg of extract from dried T. triangulare and from freshly harvested T. triangulare per liter of water,respectively. Pullets in group PC served as the unsupplemented control. Hematology and serum biochemistry were evaluated at 2-monthintervals within the 6-month period of the experiment following standard procedures. Feed and water were administered ad libitum.Supplementation with T. triangulare extract led to significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum high-density lipoprotein concentration andsignificant (P < 0.05) decrease in serum low-density lipoprotein concentration. Aspartate aminotransferase activity was significantly(P < 0.05) lower in the supplemented groups. Serum albumin was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at month four of pullet life. It wasconcluded that dietary supplementation with aqueous extract of Talinum triangulare had no deleterious effect on hematology and serumproteins and enzymes, and it had a positive effect on lipid profile. It is therefore recommended for use as a nutraceutical for healthyrearing of growing pullets.