EFFECT OF PELLETIZED CASSAVA PEEL -BASED DIETS ON HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF BROILER STARTER CHICKENS

Abstract

This study investigates the haematological response of broiler chickens to varied levels of cassava peel as a replacement for maize. Three experimental diets were formulated; T1 (0% cassava peel), T2 (10% cassava peel inclusion) and T3 (20% cassava peel inclusion) respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, 2ml blood samples were collected from 3 broilers per treatment into plastic tubes containing the anti-coagulant ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) for the determination of haematological parameters (PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCHC, MCH and MCV). Data collected on the blood parameters of broilers fed the experimental diets were subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using general linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS 0.13. The results showed normal range of blood values: PCV-36.50-37.50 %; Hb-12.10-13.30 g/dl; RBC-2.6x10^6/mm^3; WBC- 5.00-9.15x10^3; MCV-14.05-15.30 fl; MCHC-3.30-3.40 % and MCH-4.63-5.10 pg recommended for healthy birds. From the results of this study, cassava peel replacement at varying levels with maize can serve as an alternative energy source in broiler feed, without any adverse effects on the haematological responses of broilers