Effects of feeding processed baobab (<i>Adansonia digitata</i>) seed on the heamatology and serum biochemistry of broiler chicks

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding graded levels of processed baobab seed meal (Decorticated Un-defatted Roasted Baobab Seed meal, DURBSM) on one hundred and seventy six (176) Arbor Acre broiler chicks. They were fed at 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% inclusion level for 30 days. The data obtained were analyzed using one way Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in haematology and serum biochemistry values of blood samples across the dietary treatments. Significant (P<0.05) variation existed in PCV (25.50-37.25), WBC (7.33 - 9.13), Hb (7.83– 9.60), Monocyte (0-1.75) and MCHC (25.98 - 31.00) values across the dietary treatments. RBC, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils, MCV and MCH were not significantly different (P>0.05). The biochemical indices showed significant differences (P<0.05) in all parameters measured except in Albumin-globulin ratio and Triglycerides where similar results were obtained. In this study, a normal range of values for all haematology and serum biochemical indices of the broiler chicks fed DURBSM was obtained at 2.5% and this is an indication that broiler chicks can tolerate 2.5% DURBSM without any negative effect on their health.

Key words: Baobab seed, Broiler chicks, Haematology, Serum Biochemistry