Performance of Noiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels of Maize Cob and
Groundnut Shell Marsh in Abuja, Nigeria.
Author(s) : Babalola Matthew, Chukwu Blessing & Rufus Adebisi Oluwafemi
ABSTRACT:
A study was conducted for 84 days to evaluate performance of noiler chicken fed maize cob and groundnut shell marsh (1:1) at different inclusion levels. A total of one hundred and fifty unsexed noiler chicks were randomly allotted into five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated thrice with ten birds per replicate. Birds on treatments1, 2, 3,4 and 5 were fed the basal diet at inclusion level of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and20%, with maize cob and groundnut shell marsh in partial replacement of maize grain, respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. 5ml of blood sample were collected for haematology and serum biochemistry analysis from 3 birds per replicate via the wing vein. All data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Result of the growth performance showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in all the parameters measured except for the feed intake (FI) feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality (%). The result of the hematological parameter shows significant differences (P<0.05), in the values of white blood cell(WBC) and lymphocytes (LYM) only. The serum biochemistry shows significant differences in the value of Creatinine. (Mg/dl), Triglycerides (Try Mg/dL), Total bilirubin (Mmol/L) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALTiu/L) (P<0.05).The carcass characteristics showed no significant difference. Hence result obtained from this research can be recommended for inclusion of maize cob and groundnut shell marsh up to 20% as partial replacement of maize grain in the diet of Noiler birds.
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