BLOOD SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES OF BROILER CHICKEN GIVEN AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF BLACK PEPPER (PIPER NIGRUM) IN PLACE OF ANTIBIOTICS

The excessive use of antibiotics in poultry has risen as a serious concern for antibiotic resistance and accumulation of residues in poultry products. This study investigates the potential of an aqueous extract of black pepper, Piper nigrum, to replace antibiotic usage in broiler diets. Nintety-six (96) day old albor acre broiler chick were randomly assigned into four groups: one control group fed a standard diet with addition of antibiotic, and three experimental groups on standard diets supplemented, respectively, with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% black pepper extract. In the whole course of the 8-week experiment, several blood serum biochemical indices were determined. Among these were total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, AST, and ALT. This was to evaluate the impact of black pepper extract on physiological status and metabolic condition in chickens. The results showed that broilers fed black pepper extract demonstrated significant improvements over some biochemical indices when compared to the control group. Although this study showed a significant reduction in serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, suggesting the potential lipid-lowering effect of black pepper, supplementation with 1.0% and 1.5% black pepper extract increased the levels of total protein and albumin, hence reflecting improved status of protein metabolism and health. Hepatic enzymes AST and ALT were within normal limits, indicating no adverse effect of black pepper supplementation on the liver. In sum, the aqueous extract of black pepper tends to show very good prospects as an alternative natural growth promoter and health enhancer in broiler chickens. Further studies will be recommended to test the long effects and ideal dosage levels of black pepper extract in poultry diets.