Evaluation of growth performance and haematological response of broiler chicks to raw and boiled <i>Garcinia kola</i> seed diet

Abstract

This study was set to evaluate the effect of raw and boiled (1000C) Garcinia kola seed diet on growth performance and haematological response of broiler chicks. A total 18 broiler chicks assigned into three treatment groups of six birds each were used for this study. Treatment one (control) received 0% inclusion of Garcinia kola seed. Treatment group two received 10% boiled Garcinia kola seed, while group three received 10% raw Garcinia kola seed in addition to basal feed (Vital starter and finisher rations).The growth performance indices of feed consumption, live body mass were taken on weekly basis whereas uncoagulated blood samples were collected 24 hours after administering the last treatment to the groups. The haematological indices of erythrocytic function were determined. The result obtained showed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in live body mass of broiler chicks treated with raw Garcinia kola seed diet. The haematological indices of erythrocytic function and live body mass were however not significantly (P>0.05) affected by heat treatment at 1000C. This finding lends credence to the popular report in literature that heat treatment above 800C is one of the methods of removing or deactivating anti nutritional factors present in plant food for animal nutrition.