Haemato - Biochemical Indices of Broiler Chickens Fed Molasses Treated Cassava Peel Meal-Based Diet

An 8-week study was conducted to evaluate the influence of molasses treated cassava peel meal (MTCPM) based diet as substitute for maize on haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Five experimental diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirement standards of broilers. Diet 1 (0 % MTCPM) served as the control while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 25, 50, 75 and 100 % MTCPM respectively replacing maize in the diets of birds. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted into five treatment groups with three replicates of ten birds each. Each group was assigned to the five experimental diets in completely randomized design (CRD). Throughout the experimental period, feed and water were provided ad libitum for all treatment groups. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in all the haematological parameters measured. The values obtained for packed cell volume (36.21- 38.19 %), white blood cell (4.18 - 4.20 x 103/ml), red blood cell (4.48 - 4.86 x 106/ml), haemoglobin (11.96-12.68 g/dl) were similar regardless of MTCPM level in the diet. The results of the serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed MTCPM based diet revealed that the serum protein (2.01 – 2.43 mg/dl) level increased (P<0.05) among birds fed 50 % MTCPM based diet compared to others. The dietary inclusion of MTCPM did not significantly (P>0.05) influence the cholesterol (0.92-1.19 mmol/l), glucose (6.40-6.91 mmol/l), and urea (0.69-0.80 mg/dl) compositions of the broilers fed the experimental diets. It was concluded that MTCPM has a high potential as feed ingredient in poultry diets and could be included in the diet of broiler birds without any deleterious effect on health status of the birds.