Blood chemistry, haematology and ileal bacterial counts of broilers fed fermented mixture of cassava root meal and palm kernel cake

Abstract

A study on blood chemistry, haematology and ileal bacterial count of broilers fed fermented mixture of grated cassava tubers and palm kernel cake (FCP-mix) as a replacement for maize at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels of inclusion was undertaken. One hundred and eighty (180) 7-day-old broiler chickens were divided into six groups of 30 birds, and each group replicated thrice. Six experimental diets were formulated with diet 1 containing maize as the major energy source, while diet 6 containing fermented cassava root meal (CRM) and palm kernel cake (PKC) at the ratio of 1:1 as the main energy source. Diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained FCP-mix at 25, 50, 75 and 100% as replacement for maize. Diets 1 and 6 served as controls. Each group was assigned to one experimental diet in a completely randomized design. Blood samples for analysis and ileal bacterial count were obtained from each replicate, and data obtained were analysed statistically. Results show the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), total red cell count (tRBC), mean cell volume (MCV) and platelets were not significantly affected by the inclusion of FCP-mix based diets, but there are significant variations in total white blood cell (tWBC), lymphocyte and heterophil count. Serum biochemistry data were not affected except for serum calcium, conjugated bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels that were significantly affected. Mean intestinal Escherichia coli count were reduced at 50 and 75% replacement of maize by FCP-mix whereas at 100% replacement level, salmonella counts decreased by 50%, and E. coli counts became negligible. It is therefore concluded that FCP-mix has some probiotic activity which can be used to enhance performance of broilers and improve product quality.