Carcass proportion, blood metabolites and haematological parameters of broilers fed optimal diet, having been previously on excess and sub-optimal energy protein diets.

Abstract

One hundred and eighty, six weeks old broiler birds which were obtained from a previous experiment (starter phase) were used for this study. The birds were retained in their former groupings (5 groups). Each of the groups comprised of 3 replicates made up of 12 birds per replicate. The birds were managed on deep litter and fed a standard containing the optimal diet (20% CP and 2,800 Kcal/kg ME). Both the feed and water were served ad libitum. The nutrient levels in the feed were confirmed by laboratory analysis using standard methods as stipulated by the Association of Analytical Chemists. At the 9^th week, blood was collected for analysis while birds cut up parts were measured. The result from this experiment showed that most of the cut up parts measured were not significantly different (P>0.05) across the treatment diets ,except for neck weight, % LW and chest weight % LW. Furthermore, except for glucose level and serum total protein, other blood metabolites and haematological parameters across the treatments were not significantly different. In conclusion, birds subjected to treatments in Tables 3 and 4 were found to have their blood metabolites and haematological parameters to be normal while their carcass proportions were adequate.

Key Words: Carcass proportion, Blood parameters, Energy protein diets, Broilers.