HAEMATOLOGIC AND CARCASS INDICES OF BROILER CHICKENS FED GRADED LEVELS OF SWEET POTATO (Ipomoea batatas) PEEL MEAL FORTIFIED WITH PALM OIL

Abstract

A 56 days trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding graded level of sweet potato peels and palm oil on haematological indices and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 144 day old broiler chicks with average weight of 43g were randomly allotted into four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric dietary treatments, with four replicates of 9 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatment combinations were; A (control without SPPM and palm oil) B (8% of SPPM and 1.5% palm oil), C (16% of SPPM and 1% palm oil) and D (24% of SPPM and 0.5% palm oil). The experimental diets and fresh drinking water were offered ad libitum. Data obtained from the response variables were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using statistical analysis system (SAS) package. The results of Haematological indices revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in Haemoglobin level (Hb), packed cells volume (PVC), White blood cells (WBC), and Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The carcass characteristics showed significant differences in liveweight, dressed weight, carcass yield, head, breast, and wings among treatments. Similarly, internal organ characteristics presented significant (p<0.05) differences for lungs, heart and liver. It was concluded that inclusion of a combination of 16% SPPM + 1.0% palm oil yielded haematologically healthier birds and is therefore recommended.