Serum biochemical indices of Finisher Broiler Chickens fed diets containing unprocessed and variously processed Roselle(Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seeds

Abstract

A 4 week feeding trial was conducted using 180 five-week old Hubbard broiler chickens to determine the effect of feeding variously processed roselle(Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds on serum biochemical indices with a view to determining the potential of roselle seed as an alternative to soybeans. Five broiler finisher diets were formulated and fed to the chickens in groups of 36 birds per diet, subdivided into 3 replicates of 12 chickens each in a completely randomized design. Diet 1 (control) was maize - soybean based. In diets 2, 3, 4 and 5, 50% of soybean was replaced weight by weight with unprocessed, soaked, sprouted and boiled roselle seed meals respectively. Haemoglobin concentration was depressed (P<0.05) by boiling without affecting red blood cell and other red blood cell dependent parameters, but it depressed red blood cell indicators that are haemoglobin dependent. Packed cell volume did not indicate anaemic tendency among treatments, and white blood cell count did not indicate infection due to treatments. Serum protein was adequate, and liver and kidney function were not compromised. Health and nutrient absorption of birds were not compromised by replacing 50% of soybeans with unprocessed, soaked, sprouted and boiled roselle seeds in broiler chickens.

Key Words: Broiler chicken, blood parameters,roselle.