Effects of feeding processed baobab (Adansonia digitata) seed on the heamatology and serum biochemistry of broiler chicks

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding graded levels of processed baobab seed meal (Decorticated Un-defatted Roasted Baobab Seed meal, DURBSM) on one hundred and seventy six (176) Arbor Acre broiler chicks. They were fed at 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% inclusion level for 30 days. The data obtained were analyzed using one way Analysis of Variance in a Completely Randomized Design. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in haematology and serum biochemistry values of blood samples across the dietary treatments. Significant (P<0.05) variation existed in PCV (25.50-37.25), WBC (7.33 - 9.13), Hb (7.83– 9.60), Monocyte (0-1.75) and MCHC (25.98 - 31.00) values across the dietary treatments. RBC, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils, MCV and MCH were not significantly different (P>0.05). The biochemical indices showed significant differences (P<0.05) in all parameters measured except in Albumin-globulin ratio and Triglycerides where similar results were obtained. In this study, a normal range of values for all haematology and serum biochemical indices of the broiler chicks fed DURBSM was obtained at 2.5% and this is an indication that broiler chicks can tolerate 2.5% DURBSM without any negative effect on their health.

Key words: Baobab seed, Broiler chicks, Haematology, Serum Biochemistry