Growth Performance and Haematological Responses of Starter Broiler Chickens to Graded Levels of Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) Juice in Drinking Water
The use of natural feed additives is gaining prominence as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. This study evaluated the effects of lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) juice supplementation in drinking water on growth performance and haematological indices of broiler chickens. A total of 120 unsexed Anak broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments with three replicates of 10 birds each. Treatments consisted of lime juice inclusion at 0 (control), 10, 15, and 20 mL/L of drinking water. Birds were fed standard broiler starter diets for four weeks. Proximate analysis of lime juice revealed appreciable concentrations of vitamin A (1.0 mg), vitamin C (32.1 mg), calcium (14.3 mg), and phosphorus (13.2 mg), indicating its potential as a bioactive supplement. Growth performance improved significantly (p < 0.05) in lime-supplemented groups, with the 20 mL/L inclusion yielding the highest final body weight (456.22 g), average daily gain (16.29 g), and feed intake (1268.01 g), though the feed conversion ratio was optimal at higher inclusion levels compared to moderate levels. Haematological profiles showed enhanced haemoglobin concentration and mean cell haemoglobin concentration in supplemented groups, particularly at 20 mL/L, suggesting improved oxygen-carrying capacity. Eosinophil counts declined with lime inclusion, while lymphocyte counts were highest at 15 ml/L, reflecting positive immune modulation. Overall, lime juice supplementation improved growth, nutrient utilisation, and haematological responses, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective, natural alternative to synthetic growth promoters in broiler production systems.
Keywords: broiler chickens, lime juice, growth performance, haematology, natural feed additives.
