Serum Bilirubin Levels of Gallus Gallus Domestica Fed With Egeria Radiata Shell Powder Supplemented Diet

The high cost of poultry feeds used in poultry farming is a prevailing problem farmers face. This makes it difficult for farmers to keep up with the adequate nutrient requirements for Gallus gallus domestica. This study was carried out to examine the serum bilirubin levels of Gallus gallus domestica fed with Egeria radiata shell powder supplemented diet. A total of twenty (20) broiler chicks (day old) from AGRITED, Ibadan, Nigeria was allotted four different groups (groups 1 - 4) with four different dietary treatments. Each group contained five (5) Gallus gallus domestica each. The four groups were G1 Control (no Egeria radiata shell powder added), G2 (5% Egeria radiata shell powder added), G3 (10% Egeria radiata shell powder added) and G4 (15% Egeria radiata shell powder added). The experiment lasted for a period of seven (7) weeks. The chicks were given standard feed, water and adequate vaccination during this period. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and the blood samples collected into plain bottles and allowed to clot. The serum was separated and used for determination of total and conjugate bilirubin levels. The results show that inclusion of Egeria radiata shell powder at 10% and 15% significantly increased (P≤0.05) conjugate bilirubin levels, relative to control. This may be as a result of the presence of increased calcium concentrations and a decrease in the heme protein content at 10% and 15% of the Egeria radiata shell powder. When calcium levels are high in gallus gallus domestica, bilirubin levels are improved as well and when heme containing proteins are broken down, bilirubin is formed. Hence, a decrease in concentrations of heme containing protein will elevate conjugate bilirubin levels. However, 5% Egeria radiata shell powder supplemented diet showed an apparent decrease in conjugate bilirubin levels, compared to the 10% and 15% Egeria radiata shell powder supplemented diet. This implies that 5% Egeria radiata shell powder supplemented diet influenced the liver's ability to conjugate and excrete bilirubin, potentially affecting bile excretion, without significantly impacting the overall production or accumulation of bilirubin in the body or causing significant hemolysis in Gallus gallus domestica. It was therefore concluded that a minimum quantity (5%) of Egeria radiata shell powder in the diet of Gallus gallus domestica has no adverse effects on liver functions and also has the ability to regulate bilirubin levels in Gallus gallus domestica without endangering liver health of the Gallus gallus domestica.