Nutrient utilization and blood profile of broilers fed with unpeeled yellow cassava root meal (UMUCASS-46 or TMS01/0539)

Abstract

An eight-week old experiment was conducted to investigate the nutrient utilization, haematological and serum biochemistry of broilers fed  with unpeeled yellow cassava root meal (UYCRM). The unpeeled yellow cassava root was harvested, washed, ground and toasted. This was incorporated in graded levels of 0% (control), 25%, 50% and 75% into the diets designated T₁ , T₂, T₃ and T₄ respectively. One hundred and twenty Anak, day  old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to the four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment consisted of 30 birds, replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. Nutrient digestibility of the birds revealed a significant (P<0.05) variation in all parameters with the exception of dry matter and ash. Digestibility values for crude protein (9.083%), ether extract (0.047%), crude fibre (8.163%) and metabolisable energy (1938.747kcal/kg) were observed to highest in birds fed 75% UYCRM. Haematology and serum biochemistry values, although higher in the control, were in conformity with standards for healthy broiler birds. Up to 75% of UYCRM can be incorporated into broiler diet without negative effect on the digestibility, haematology and serum chemistry. Diet T4 was then recommended.