PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD PARAMETERS OF BROILER CHICKENS FED MILLET-BASED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ENZYMES

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of adding exogenous enzymes to millet-based diets on the growth performance indices, haematology, blood chemistry and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 180 day - old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (TRT 1- 5) replicated thrice with 12 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. All necessary routine management practices and recommended vaccinations were strictly observed during the study period. All necessary routine management practices and recommended vaccinations were strictly observed during the study period. The growth performance parameters such as weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded. Blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analysis. The results revealed significant differences in feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among treatments. Additionally, variations in blood chemistry and haematological indices were observed, highlighting the physiological responses of broilers to enzyme supplementation. It was concluded that enzyme supplementation in millets- based diets improves broiler chickens’ performance by enhancing nutrient utilization, feed conversion efficiency and health.