Effect of Supplementing Drinking Water with Different Levels of (Artemisia annua L.) Extract on Hematological and Biochemical Blood Parameters in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

This study was conducted in a poultry facility located in Sirte, Libya, to evaluate the effects of supplementing drinking water with different levels of Artemisia annua extract on selected hematological and biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 108 birds aged 14 days, with an average initial body weight of 530 g, were randomly allocated into three treatment groups, each consisting of three replicates of 12 birds. The control group received no additives, whereas the second and third groups were supplemented with A. annua extract at concentrations of 10 mL/L and 20 mL/L of drinking water, respectively. All birds were fed the same commercial diet throughout the 28‑day experimental period.

The results revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) among treatments in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, total white blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, or basophils. However, highly significant differences (P < 0.01) were recorded in packed cell volume and monocytes, with the highest values observed in the group receiving 20 mL/L. Lymphocyte counts were highest in the 10 mL/L group. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were also detected in triglycerides, with the highest levels observed in the 20 mL/L group, while the 10 mL/L group exhibited a highly significant increase (P < 0.01) in glucose concentration. The control group showed the highest urea level. No significant differences were observed in total protein, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, albumin, or globulin among treatments.

These findings suggest that Artemisia annua extract may influence certain hematological and biochemical variables in broilers, particularly at higher inclusion levels, without adversely affecting major blood constituents.