ABSTRACT

The haematological and serum biochemistry of broiler chicken fed with soybean based

diet partially replaced with smartchoice concentrate was studied, using 150 broiler chicks

raised for 8 weeks. The birds were randomly assigned to five (5) groups of 30 birds, with

three (3) replications of 10 birds each. This study was carried out in the Poultry Unit of

the Teaching and Research farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike,

Nigeria. The experiment was divided into starter phase (Day 1 — Week 4) and finisher

phase (Week 4 — Week 8). The feed consisted of four (4) dietary inclusion levels of

soybean-based meal, partially replaced by smartchoice concentrates at 0%, 25%, 50%,

75% and 100% inclusion levels. The 0% inclusion served as the control. Hematological

and serum biochemical indices were evaluated and include Hemoglobin, Packed Cell

Volume, Red Blood Cell and Erythrocytic indices, serum glucose, liver enzymes and

creatinine. The result showed no significance (P<0.05) differences in %DM (90.47%),

%MC (11.05%), %CF (1.94%), %EE (3.26%) At finisher phase, total serum protein

(46.9mg/dl) (at starter phase), Mean values of Hb (6.33g/dl), PCV (38.00%), RBC (5.81

X 106/mm3), Erythrocytic indices (MCV 65.79fl, MCH 13.75pg, MCHC 21.99g/dl)

serum glucose(184.00g/dl), liver enzymes (AST 75.67 WL, ALT 66.33WL) and creatinine

(2.79mg/dl) at finisher phase. Every other parameters evaluated showed significant

(P<0.05) difference between the treatment groups and control. There was an improved

performance, with no deleterious effect on the blood profile of the experimental broilers

at 25% inclusion level. The Hb, PCV and RBC values were statistically higher in the

broiler starter at 25% inclusion with Hb having 7.27g/dl, PCV 29.92%, RBC 5.22

X106mm3and this therefore indicates a good condition of health of the broilers compared

to other groups. However there were no statistical differences in these parameters at the

finisher phase but they were only numerically higher. The liver enzyme (AST, ALT)

were not increased in the broilers at 25%, which indicate that at 25% dietary inclusion,

the body system of the broiler was in normal physiologic state. Furthermore, the % CP

neither decreased nor increased in the broilers at 25% dietary inclusion, but was

significantly the same with the % CP in the control group. Hence, the recorded improved

performance of broilers in that group. Though no observable clinical symptoms were

observed in the experimental broilers at 25% and 50%, but further histopatholigical

studies are hereby advised to ascertain that there are no subclinical lesions on the organs

of the broiler especially at 50% dietary inclusion before it could be recommended for

inclusion in broiler production. In conclusion therefore, smartchoice concentrate has a

high potential as a feed ingredient/supplement in poultry production and yield a better

performance at 25% dietary replacement level.