Serum Biochemistry and Antioxidant Enzyme Response of Local Laying Hens Fed Jackfruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus) Leaf Meal

Abstract

This study, that was carried out for 8 weeks, evaluated the serum biochemistry and antioxidant enzyme responses of seventy-two local laying hens fed different levels of jackfruit leaf meal (Artocarpus heterophyllus; JLM).  The hens were randomly distributed to four different treatment (T) groups in a completely randomized design.  Each treatment containing 18 hens were replicated 3 times, with each replicate containing 6 laying hens. JLM was prepared by plucking the fresh leaves which were air -dried at room temperature until crispy. The dried leaves were milled into powder and stored in an air- tight container. The JLM was included in the basal feed at 0 g/kg, 20 g/kg, 40 g/kg, and 60 g /kg of feed, representing T1, T2, T3, and T4. Results showed highly significant differences (p < 0.01) in AST among the treatment groups. Hens fed 60 g JLM /kg diet exhibited significantly (p < 0.01) lower AST (54.02 IU/l) and MDA (1.67 mg/dl) compared to those of control birds. ALT and ALP did not vary significantly (p > 0.01) across the treatment groups. SOD and CAT levels increased as the inclusion level of JLM increased across the treatment groups with the highest mean value observed in hens that received 40 g (8.01 and 0.62 mg/dl) and 60 g JLM inclusion, while GPx was not significantly affected (p > 0.01). The study concluded that local laying hens under tropical conditions should be fed 40 g to 60 g JLM/ kg diet for optimal metabolic health and antioxidant capacity.