Effect of phytobiotics inclusion on haematological and serum indices of broiler chickens

The effect of phytobiotics inclusion on haematological and serum indices of broiler chickens was investigated using 180 one day-old Arbor-acre broiler chicks in an eight weeks feeding trial. Six experimental diets were formulated to include the control diets (0g/kg), Ginger (5g/kg), Pawpaw leaf (5g/kg), Moringa (5g/kg), Turmeric(1g/kg) and Oxytetracycline (0.5g/kg) diet. These diets were assigned to six groups of 30 chicks replicated 3 times with 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were given ad libitum. At the end of eight weeks, blood samples were collected from jugular vein of the birds and were analyzed for haematological and serum biochemical indices. The result of the analysis showed that dietary treatments significantly (p<0.05) influenced all haematological parameters studied. Ginger had the highest value of packed cell volume (45%), haemoglobin (15.05 g/dl) and red blood cell count (3.39×1012L-1) at the finisher phase. Total protein, uric acid, glucose were significant (p<0.05). Serum cholesterol value was significantly (p<0.05) lower in birds supplemented with ginger compared to other groups. It can be concluded that ginger at 5g/kg improved PCV, Hb and reduction of cholesterol concentration in broiler chicken.Keywords: Ginger, turmeric, moringa, pawpaw, hematology, serum, broile

Variations in haematological and serum indices of finishing broiler birds fed neem (Azadirachta indica) and garlic (Allium sativum) as phytobiotics

One hundred and eighty day-old Cobb broiler chickens were used to evaluate the effects of feeding diets containing neem leaf meal (NLM), garlic meal (GM) and their combination (NLM + GM) on haematological and serum indices of finishing broiler. The birds were divided into twelve treatment groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diets contained NLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion; 0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg. The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design (CRD). The inclusion of NLM, GM and NLM + GM did not significantly (P>0.05) influence haematological parameters. Different levels of inclusion significantly (P<0.05) influenced absolute haematological parameters. (P<0.05) interaction of additives and levels of inclusion were observed in most of the haematological indices studied. NLM+GM at 500mg/kg showed the highest PCV value. Highest Hb and RBC values were observed in birds fed GM at 1500mg/kg. Different levels of inclusion significantly (P<0.05) influenced total protein and albumin levels. Lowest (P<0.05) amounts of total protein (8.88mg/dl) and albumin (2.20mg/dl) were recorded in birds fed 1500mg/kg inclusion levels compared to those birds on 0mg/kg inclusion level. Additives and levels of inclusion (P<0.05) affected cholesterol value of finishing broiler birds. There was a reduction in cholesterol (93.38mg/dl) and HDL (52.57mg/dl) values of birds fed GM than those fed NLM + GM. Significant (P<0.05) interactions were observed in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) values. It was evident that feeding of the additives at different levels affected the blood picture of the finishing broiler chickens.Keywords: Neem, garlic, finishing broilers, serum, haematolog

Effect of dietary L- Carnitine supplementation of diets containing cashew nut reject meal by broiler chickens

In a completely randomized designed, two hundred and forty day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments containing 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5mg kg-1 Lcarnitine. Each of the diets contained equal amount of maize and cashew nut reject meal (CNRM). The birds were randomly divided into sixteen groups of fifteen chicks each after weight equalisation. Each diet was assigned to four groups of birds representing four replicates per experimental diet. Measurements taken during starting and finishing phases included average live weight, average weight gain, average feed intake while feed to gain ratio was calculated. Nutrient digestibility of the experimental diets was also evaluated. Results between 0-4weeks indicated that body weights ranged from 673.71g in the birds that received 2.5mgkg-1 to 700.21g in the birds that received 7.5mgkg-1 L-carnitine. Weight gain and feed intake values were significantly (P<0.05) affected by L-carnitine levels. Feed to gain ratio values were elevated when birds were fed 0 and 2.5mgkg-1 L-carnitine levels. Evaluation of nutrient utilization showed a significant (P<0.05) influence on crude protein and ether extract values. Between 5-8 weeks of rearing, feed intake increased (P<0.05) as Lcarnitine levels increased in diets while lower (P<0.05) feed to gain value was recorded at high level of dietary L-carnitine. Nutrients utilization parameters were not affected (P>0.05) during finishing phase. Overall results showed that highest body weight and weight gain were obtained in the group that received 7.5mgkg-1 L-carnitine supplementation. The study showed that supplementing CNRM diets up to 7.5mgkg-1 is beneficial to growth and utilization of broiler chickens. However, this was more effective at the starter phase.Keywords: L-carnitine, cashew nut reject meal, broiler bird

Performance and bone morphometry of two breeds of finishing broiler chickens reared on different housing systems

Adequate consideration of management systems is required to enhance the productivity of broiler chickens. This study was carried out to determine the effect of two housing systems on growth performance, carcass traits and bone morphometry of broiler chickens. A total of 180 unsexed one dayold Arbor Acre and Marshall breeds of broiler chickens were used for this study. The birds were brooded for 3 weeks and thereafter acclimatized for one week in their respective housing systems (deep litter and outdoor run). Each of the housing systems was allotted 90 chicks per breed with three replicates of 15 birds each. The birds were fed same quality and quantity of feed ad libitum and given water throughout the period of the experiment which lasted for four weeks. Data were collected weekly on weight gain and feed intake while feed conversion ratio was calculated. At the end of the study, 2 birds of representative weight in each replicate were selected for carcass analysis and bone strength determination. The experiment was arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial layout in a completely randomized design. The results of growth performance showed significantly (p<0.05) higher final weight (2,012.06g/b), weight gain (48.45g/b/d) and feed intake (151.74g/b/d) in Arbor Acre breed compared with the final weight (1,890.15g/b), weight gain (45.82g/b/d) and feed intake (144.60g/b/d) obtained in Marshall breed. Significantly (p<0.05) higher weight gain (49.70g/b/d) and better feed conversion ratio (2.92) was observed in broiler chickens reared on deep litter housing system while those reared on outdoor run had 49.11g/b/d and 3.01 for weight gain and feed conversion ratio, respectively. Birds managed on outdoor run consumed more feed compared to those kept on deep litter. Broiler chickens reared on deep litter were superior in retail cut (breast) and abdominal fat compared to those kept on outdoor run. Irrespective of breeds, birds reared on outdoor run had greater (p<0.05) bone strength (14.61N/mm2) compared to those on deep litter (10.68N/mm2). The study concluded that, Arbor Acre breed of broiler chickens could be reared on deep litter housing system for better performance. However, outdoor run could be adopted to enhance better bone strength in both breeds of broiler chickens.Keywords: Broiler chickens, breeds, performance, carcass traits, morphometry, housing system

Response of broiler chickens to feed supplemented with claybased nano growth promoter

One of the most critical issues in human food safety and health is the public outcry against the potential health risks and environmental problems associated with excessive use of feed antimicrobials, growth hormones and synthetic pharmaceuticals. An eight week study was carried out to evaluate the effects of MFeed®, a nanotechnology growth promoter as feed additive in the diets of broiler chickens. Two hundred, day old Marshal broiler chicks were allotted in a completely randomised design to five dietary treatments supplemented with MFeed® at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 g/kg of the basal diet respectively. Data were collected on growth performance, intestinal pH, haematological and serum parameters of broiler chickens fed the experimental diets at the fourth and eighth week. Body weight, survivability, and the health of broiler chickens improved significantly (P<0.05) with increased MFeed® in the diets. From this study it can be concluded that supplementation of MFeed® in broiler chickens diets will improve growth and the health status.Keywords: broilers, nano growth promoter, performance, blood parameter

Performance and carcass yield of sexed broiler chickens reared on two housing types

In spite of availability of specially formulated feeds and other aids to intensive poultry production, the provision of appropriate housing remains the most basic requirement for successful poultry production. This study thereby determined the performance, carcass yield and meat composition of 300 sexed Arbor Acre broiler chickens reared on deep-litter and deep-litter with a run housing types. The birds were brooded for 2 weeks, differentiated into male and female by feather sexing and balanced for weight. Thereafter, 150 male and female chicks each were confined separately in deep litter and deep litter with a run. Weekly live weights and physiological parameters were taken. At the end of the study, 2 birds which were similar to the average weight of each replicate were selected for carcass analysis. Serum cholesterol and calcium were also determined at the end of the experiment. The data obtained were arranged in a 2×2 factorial experimental layout in a Completely Randomized Design. Male birds had higher final weights, weight gain and cost of feed per day of 2208.33g/b,44.41g/b/d and N21.96, respectively compared to female birds. Birds on deep litter had higher live weight and plucked weight of 2216.67 and 1985.00g, respectively. Female birds had highest percentage breast of 22.81. Serum cholesterol and calcium of birds on deep litter with run was higher. It was concluded that both male and female broiler chickens had higher carcass yield on deep litter housing type. However, for higher live weight gain female broiler chickens should be reared on deep litter while male broiler chickens could be reared conveniently on any of the housing types.Keywords: Performance, carcass yield, female broiler, male broiler, serum cholesterol, calciu

Response of finishing broiler chickens to supplemental Neem (Azadirachta indica) and garlic (Allium sativum) on oocyst count, bacteria count and gut morphology

An eight weeks feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding diets containing Neem Leaf Meal (NLM), Garlic Meal (GM) and their combinations (NLM +GM) on oocyst count, bacteria count and gut morphology of finishing broiler chickens. A total of 180 day-old Cobb broiler chickens were divided into twelve groups of fifteen chicks with three replicate of five chicks each. The diet containedNLM, GM and NLM + GM at four levels of inclusion (0mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg and 1500mg/kg). The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial layout in a completely randomized design (CRD). Additives did not significantly (P>0.05) affect oocyst and bacteria count. There was significant (P<0.05) decrease in oocyst and bacteria count of birds fed 1000mg/kg levels of inclusion than those of 0mg/kg levels of inclusion. Significant (P<0.05) reduction in oocyst and bacteria count was achieved in birds fed NLM at 1500mg/kg levels of inclusion and GM at 1000mg/kg levels of inclusion. There was significant (P<0.05) increase in duodenum villi height, apical width and lamina propria depth of birds fed NLM + GM compared to that ofNLM. Jejunal villi height in birds fed GM (686.67μm) and NLM + GM (686.42μm) was statistically similar but superior (P<0.05) to that obtained in NLM (622.67μm). Birds fed diets containing NLM (103.42μm) affected (P<0.05) jejunum apical width compared to GM (72.67μm). Ileum villi height and basal width of birds fed NLM + GM was significantly (P<0.05) improved than those of NLM. However, ileum apicalwidth was influenced in birds fed NLM + GM (61.33μm) but statistically similar to that of NLM (60.75μm) compared to GM (55.17μm). Gut morphology parameters were significantly (P<0.05) improved by all the levels of inclusion but more at 1500mg/kg inclusion levels compared to 0mg/kg which was lowered. Significant (P<0.05) improvement on gut morphology parameters were recorded by added additives at various inclusion levels except duodenum villi height which was not affected. It was evident that additives employed most especially NLM and GM at 1500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg reduced oocyst and bacteria count and NLM + GM at 1500mg/kg improved gut morphology.Keywords: Day-old broiler, neem, garlic, broilers, oocyst count, bacteria count, gut morphology

Breast meat yield, muscle linear measurements and meat composition of turkeys fed diet containing wheat or sorghum as sole cereal source

Breast meat yield, chemical composition, mineral profile and linear measurement of the resultant breast meat Supracoracoides and Pectoralis thoracicus of one hundred and eighty (28 days old BUT) male turkeys fed diet containing wheat or sorghum as sole cereal source were studied. One hundred and eighty 28-days old male turkeys (British United Turkeys, BUT) were randomly allotted into 18 pens with 10 poults housed in each pen (of dimension 3.0× 2.0 m). Three experimental diets were formulated for the starter (29-56 days), grower (57-84) and finisher phase (85-112 days) such that ground maize (control), wheat or sorghum (light brown coat variety) was used as the only cereal source. The turkeys were randomly allotted to 18 pens (each  housing 10 turkeys) with each pen allocated to one of the experimental diets. Growth response,  breast meat yield, chemical composition, mineral profile and linear measurement of the resultant  breast meat yield were measured at the end of finishing phase. Turkeys fed with wheat and  sorghum had similar dressing percentage values. Turkeys fed with sorghum recorded lower  (P<0.05) final live weight (10,002.10 g), weight gain (9084.90 g), feed intake (19,942.67 g),  dressed weight (8099.94 g), breast meat yield (2691g) and higher relative BMY (269.05 g/kg LWT) than those fed with wheat. However, turkeys fed with wheat had higher (P<0.05) Supracoccoides weight (672.15 g) and length (26.9 g) than those fed with sorghum which recorded higher relative Supracoccoides weight (58.81 g) than those fed with sole wheat (53.76 g). Crude protein, ether extract, ash content, gross energy and mineral content of the BMY were not affected by dietary inclusion of wheat or sorghum as sole cereal source. However, the breast meat of turkeys fed with sorghum had lower (P<0.05) moisture (60.12%), cholesterol (19.05 mg/100g) and LDL (2.01 mg/100g) values than other corresponding values obtained for turkeys fed with wheat or control diet.Key words: British United turkeys, Growth response, breast meat yield, mineral profile, linear measuremen

Haematological, serum and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken fed `graded levels of Garcinia kola (Bitter kola) used as phytobiotic

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Garcinia Kola (Bitter Kola) used as phytobiotic or herbal natural additives on biochemical and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Five diets with different levels of inclusion of the kola were fed to a total of 150 Marshal day- old broilers. There were three replicates of ten birds per replicate. The five diets were made of control diet; diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 had 500ppm, 1000ppm, 1500ppm and 2000ppm of G. Kola respectively. The feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. Data were analyzed using completely randomized design. The results of haematological parameters examined show that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in all the haematological indices measured, the values however, did not follow any particular pattern. Highest haemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cells (RBC) values were recorded for birds on 1500ppm compared to other birds with values ranging between 8.40-10.00, 25.00-29.50 and 2.47- 2.77 for Hb, PCV and RBC respectively. The least haemoglobin and PCV values were recorded in diet containing 2000ppm. Dietary supplementation of G. kola revealed significant (P<0.05) effects in the values of albumin and serum aspartate aminotransferase (SAST) with fluctuating values. The albumin level increased from 0ppm to 1500ppm G. kola inclusion levels and later dropped at 2000ppm inclusion level. Birds fed bitter kola had higher values SAST than the control group. Results of carcass analysis study revealed significant (P<0.05) differences in the values obtained for live weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage. Birds fed with 0ppm of Garcinia kola had the highest live weight (2066.70g) while those on 1500ppm had the lowest. The same trend was observed in the mean values obtained for dressed weight. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) for all the organ weights observed except kidney which was found to show improvement with increased bitter kola level. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of broiler chicken with bitter kola produced haematological and carcass results that did not follow any definite pattern.Key word: Garcinia kola, haematology, serum, carcass, broiler chicken, phytobioti

Effect of fibre and digestible energy levels on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and caecal fermentation of growing rabbits

A seventy-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary fibre and digestible energy (DE) level on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and caecal fermentation of growing rabbits. The experiment was laid out in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of 3 levels of fibre (low (249 – 258 g/kg NDF, 149 - 157 g/kg ADF), optimum (349 – 381 g/kg NDF, 188 - 193 g/kg ADF) and high (430 – 456 g/kg NDF, 249 - 253 g/kg ADF)) and 3 levels of DE (low (8 – 8.5 MJ/kg), optimum (10.5 – 11 MJ/kg) and high (12 – 12.30 MJ/kg)). A total of one hundred and thirty five weaner rabbits were allotted to 9 dietary groups of 15 rabbits each. Main effect of fibre showed that the final live weight and weight gain of rabbits increased (P < 0.01) while Ca retention reduced (P < 0.001) with increasing dietary fibre level. Rabbits fed (249 – 258 g/kg NDF, 149 - 157 g/kg ADF), had the worst (P < 0.05) feed to gain ratio. Rabbits fed (349 – 381 g/kg NDF, 188 - 193 g/kg ADF) had the highest apparent dry matter (P < 0.05), ether extract (P < 0.05), NDF (P < 0.001), ADF (P < 0.001) and organic matter digestibility (P < 0.001). Main effect of DE showed that rabbits fed high DE recorded the highest (P < 0.05) weight gain. Highest (P < 0.01) apparent dry matter, crude protein, ash, NDF, ADF, organic matter digestibility and Ca retention were recorded with rabbits fed optimum DE diet. Rabbits(445.70g/kgNDF, 252.10g/kgADF and 8.01MJ/Kg) recorded the highest (P < 0.001) final live weight, weight gain and feed intake (P<0.05) while rabbits fed (249 g/kg NDF, 149 g/kg ADF and 8.17MJ/Kg) had the least (P < 0.001) final live weight, weight gain, apparent dry matter digestibility, NDF and ADF digestibility. Highest (P<0.001) NDF digestibility was obtained with rabbits fed (370.79 g/kg NDF, 189.61 g/kg ADF and 10.84MJ/kg). Not withstanding the DE level of the diets, rabbits fed with (430 – 456 g/kg NDF, 249 - 253 g/kg ADF) recorded the highest (P<0.05) total VFA and acetic acid concentration. Rabbits fed (445.7g/KgNDF, 250.09g/KgADF and 10.52MJ/kg) recorded the best growth performance, improved caecal fermentation with no adverse effect on apparent nutrient digestibility.Keywords: Growing rabbits; Dietary fibre; Digestible energy; Caecal fermentatio