The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract (VALE) on the carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity (CCl₄) in broiler chickens. A total of 360-day-old broilers were divided into 4 treatments of 90 birds each consisting of 6 replicates of 15 birds each. The treatments were birds offered 1 mL/kg BW saline (control group), 100 mg/kg BW VALE, 1 mL/kg BW CCl₄ (CCl₄-treated group), and 100 mg/kg BW VALE + 1 mL/kg BW CCl₄ (VALE + CCl₄ group). Blood samples were collected at 42 days of age and analyzed for the liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and selected biochemical parameters. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. The results obtained showed that VALE had the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of CCl₄ on protein and lipid metabolism as reflected in the low serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which is a marker of lipid peroxidation. The aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight showed a moderate hepatoprotective effect by reducing serum AST levels (p < 0.05). The levels of serum AST, ALP, ALT, and GGT were significantly increased in CCl₄-treated birds compared to the control group, reflecting carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. The VALE + CCl₄ group showed a significantly higher amount of ALP compared to birds treated with carbon tetrachloride, suggesting a hepatoprotective effect. To conclude, Vernonia amygdalina aqueous extract can be used to confer protection against hepatotoxicity, which can induce severe hepatocellular damage in birds.

Gut health is multifaceted and is largely influenced by the rearing environment and the diet. The use of phytochemicals rich in phenolics and flavonoids can improve the digestive health of chickens and lead to better growth performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dietary Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, absorption function, organ weights and immunity of broilers. Two hundred and forty, one-day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups: an unsupplemented control and VA-1, VA-3 and VA-5 receiving VALM incorporation at concentrations of 1, 3 and 5 g/kg, respectively. Each treatment had six replicates of 10 chickens. On d 42, six chickens per replicate were isolated and euthanised. Digesta from the jejunal segments (10 cm) was collected for analysis of the digestive enzymes. The remaining digesta was then washed out with ice-cold phosphate-buffered saline before the jejunal segments (10 cm) were opened longitudinally to collect the mucosa by scraping. For the preparation of the homogenate, intestinal mucosa samples were homogenised with 154 mmol/l of ice-cold sodium chloride solution and centrifuged at 4 °C for 900 s. To determine immunoglobulins, glutathione and D-xylose, the supernatant was extracted and stored at -20 °C. Supplementation with VALM did not significantly influence the relative weights of organs in the different treatments. However, VALM at 3 g/kg caused a significant increase in amylase and trypsin concentration (P<0.05). Immunoglobulin A and intestinal secretory immunoglobulin G concentrations were significantly improved (P<0.05) in the birds fed 3 g/kg VALM. This supported the premise that 3 g/kg VALM in feed can improve gastric immunity status and digestive enzyme secretion.

Guinea fowls are one of the indigenous species of Africa and constitute an alternative source of high-quality meat and eggs. Several studies have been conducted on guinea fowl management, reproduction, and genetic characterization. Guinea fowl are predominantly reared under extensive or semi-intensive systems, where they cohabit with other poultry species and roam freely during the day. These systems, characterized by small flock sizes and suboptimal housing conditions, contribute to reduced productivity and high mortality rates. The zootechnical performances of guinea fowl under these systems is often low due to difficult breeding conditions and climatic variability. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the genetic characterization of guinea fowl in Africa, and to examine its implications for sustainable guinea fowl production and conservation. Relevant literature on the genetic characterization of guinea fowl in Africa was gathered through systematic searches in databases, focusing on studies conducted between 2000 and 2024. Molecular characterization methods used include microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA analysis. The sex-ratio is typically three females per male, with laying beginning between 7 and 9 months, and egg laying mostly occurs during the rainy season when food is abundant. Growth performance varies according to sex, farming system, disease control, and strain. Phenotypic traits of guinea fowl include plumage colours, wattle, and eye colour variations, which are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. For instance, studies in different regions have reported varying prevalence of plumage colours, with pearl grey being the most common in many areas, and white or mostly pied colours in others. Colour variations play a role in the thermoregulation and adaptation to local climates. Biometric characteristics such as body weight, chest circumference, body length, thigh length, shank length, and wingspan are crucial for assessing growth and market value. Strong correlations exist between body weight and measurements of shank and thigh length, thereby aiding in the predictive assessment of growth performance. Molecular characterization using microsatellite markers revealed high phenotypic diversity among guinea fowl populations but low differentiation between local breeds, likely due to the free-range management system and gene flow across regions. Studies using mitochondrial DNA markers have also revealed extensive genetic intermixing, suggesting recent domestication and the lack of distinct maternal genetic structures. These genetic insights are important for developing guinea fowl breeding programs that enhance productivity and adaptation to tropical conditions. The genetic characterization of guinea fowl has strong implications for the African poultry industry, as it supports the development of resilient and productive breeds suited to local conditions, while also contributing to the conservation of indigenous genetic resources critical for long-term food security and rural development.