Haematological and Serum Biochemical Profiles of Broiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels of Fermented Palm Kernel Cake

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed graded levels of fermented palm kernel cake (FPKC). The birds were allotted into four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated four times and five birds were allocated into each replicate with twenty birds per treatment. The FPKC was included at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% levels in diets 1, 2, 3 diets and 4 respectively. At the end of the 56 days of feeding trial blood samples were collected from the birds and were subjected to haematological and serum biochemical analysis. The results revealed that the birds on control diet (0% FPKC) had significantly higher values of Hb, PCV, RBC, monocytes and granulocytes compared to other treatment groups, while the values of WBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC and lymphocytes were significantly higher in the birds fed diet 2 (10% FPKC) compared to the control and other FPKC groups. The biochemical parameters: total serum protein, globulin, ALT, ASP, ALP and cholesterol were significantly higher among the birds fed diet 2 (10% FPKC). The study concluded that FPKC did not pose a health challenge to broiler chickens, but improved health, immunity and performance can be achieved at the 10% inclusion level.