Effect of dietary inclusion of biochar on growth performance, haematology and serum lipid profile of broiler birds

Abstract

One hundred and twenty (120) day-old broiler birds were used to ascertain the effect of dietary inclusion of biochar on the growth, hematology and serum lipid profiles of birds in a 56-day feeding trial. The birds were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 30 birds each, replicated twice with 15 birds per replicate. The groups were randomly assigned to four diets in a completely randomized design involving four levels (0, 2, 4 and 6%) of biochar kg^-1. Treatments did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in final body weight, average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio at the starter phase. However, at the finisher phase, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among treatments in final body weight, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Final body weight, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of birds fed 6% biochar kg^-1 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other treatment groups. White blood cell counts (WBC) and packed cell volume (PCV) were not affected by treatments at the starter and finisher phases, respectively. Hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and red blood cell count were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by the treatments at both starter and finisher phases. Nonsignificant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the triacylglycerol (TAG) values of birds at the finisher phase, while cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01) at both phases. The result of the present study showed that up to 6% dietary biochar kg^-1 improved growth, hematology and serum lipid profiles of broiler birds.

Keywords: biochar, performance, health-status, fat-accretion, broilers