Replacement value of millet for maize on performance and haematological indices of broiler chickens

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to determine the performance characteristics and haematological indices of broiler chickens fed varying levels of millet as a replacement for maize. Three hundred and thirty day old Marshal Broiler chickens were assigned to 5 dietary treatment groups. Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 22 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Five experimental diets were formulated with millet included at 0, 10, 20, 30 & 40% levels of inclusion. Weights of the birds were taken at the beginning and subsequently on weekly basis thereafter till the end of the experiment. Feed and water were fed ad libitum throughout the feeding trial which lasted for 56 days. On day 56, blood sample was collected from the wing vein of the birds using needle with syringe for haematological and blood biochemistry indices assay. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance. Results indicated that birds fed 20% millet had better feed conversion ratio compared to those fed 40% millet. Inclusion of millet in broiler diets significantly reduced the water intake of birds. The total protein, globulin, albumin and glucose fell within the values recommended for normal chickens. It was concluded that millet can replace maize component in broilers diets up to 20% without any adverse effect on growth performance of broiler chickens.

Keywords: Performance, millet, broilers, haematological indices