The effects of dietary lead acetate (LA) exposure on growth performance and haematological characteristics of broiler chickens and possible ameliorative effect of ascorb ic acid (AA) were investigated. One hundred and twenty day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into six treatment groups of 20 birds with two replicates. Six isonitrogenous and isocalories experimental diets were compounded and fed to birds for seven weeks: T1 (control) received diet I (0mg of LA and AA/kg feed), T2 received diet II (200mg LA/kg feed), T3 received diet III (200mg LA and 50mg AA/kg feed), T4 received diet IV (200mg LA and 100mg AA/kg feed), T5 received diet V (200mg LA and 150mg AA/kg feed) and T6 received diet VI (200mg LA and 200mg AA/kg feed). Finally, two birds per replicate were randomly selected, weighed and slaughtered. For haematology, blood samples were collected into labelled EDTA - bottles. PCV, RBC, WBC and Hb concentration were determined using Auto Haem analyzer. T2 showed significantly (P0.05) lowered haemoglobin and RBC in T2 and T6 respectively. The PCV was numerically lowered in T2 and T6. However, haematology of AA treated groups, especially those of T3and T4 compares favourably with thecontrol. In conclusion, dietary lead exposure negatively affects growth performance and haematology of broilers, which was ameliorated by as low as 50mg AA/kg diet supplementation.
