Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation in the diets on haematological traits of Fawbro broiler breeders reared under hot climate

A study was conducted in Native Chickens Breeding station / IPA Agricultura l Research Centre during summer months, to investigate the influence of dif ferent levels of ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation (0, 150, 300 and 450 mg / kg diet) on the haematological traits of Fawbro broiler breeders. A tota l of 300, one day-old CD line females and 240 AB line males of broiler bree ders were reared in 24 floor pen. Results indicated that heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H: L), plasma glucos e and cholesterol concentration and plasma GOT and GPT activities were sign ificantly, lowered (P < 0.01), while plasma protein, calcium and phosphorus concentration as well as ascorbic acid levels and ALP activity were increa sed (P < 0.01) as a result of ascorbic acid supplementation in both male an d female.