Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Growth, Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens fed Processed Senna occidentalis Seed Meal
1Antyev, M.; 1 Nyameh, J.; 2Shaahu, D.T.; 1Highest, E. C. & 1Uduak, W.
1Department of Animal Production Technology College of Agriculture, P.M.B. 1025 Jalingo, Taraba State-2Department of Animal Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria
Email: juliusfnyameh@gmail.com
Corresponding Author: Nyameh, J.,
ABSTRACT
The effect of processed Senna occidentalis seed meal on growth performance, carcass characteristics, Haematology and Serum biochemistry of broiler chickens were investigated on an 8 – weeks Anak-2000 broiler chicks in a group of 30 chicks per diet with 3 replicates of 10 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD). The diets consist of a control (0%), 5.0%, 10.0% and 15.0% for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The Senna occidentalis before inclusion in the diets was boiled for 1hour: 30 min and properly dried and grounded into meal for eight weeks, data were collected on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. At the end of the experiment, 6 birds were randomly selected from each treatment and slaughtered to determine the effect of processed Senna occidentalis seed meal on carcass characteristic and internal organs weight. Blood samples were also collected from 6 birds were in each treatment for haematological and biochemical studies. Results from growth performance revealed that all the growth parameters were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the inclusion levels of PSOSM but T3 had a better weight gain, while T4 recorded a better FCR (1.93).The values of carcass characteristic and internal organs weight also showed no significant (P>0.05) effects across treatments but variations were observed in the values obtained for gizzard. Supplementation levels of PSOSM did not affect the hematological and biochemical values except for urea. Therefore for better performance it is imperative that Senna occidentalis seed meal be included in broiler diet up to 5%.
Keywords: Senna occidentalis, Broiler, Performance, Haematology Carcass Characteristics
