ABSRTACT

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the replacement value ofrice husk supplemented with palm oil for maize in the diet of broiler chickens. Six treatments were used for the research work Jin which rice husk replaced maize at 0, 5, 10, 15 20 and 25 percent levels respectively. Ninety birds used were randomly allotted to the different treatments. There was five birds in a replicate .'v: while the number of birds per treatment is fifteen in a completely Randomized Design. The study lasted for 8 weeks during which water and feed were given to the birds ad libitum. The parameters measured were growth performance, haematological indices and serum chemistry of broilers. Data collected were analyzed using ANOVA. Final weight of broilers fed diet 1 (2100.00g/bird) were highly significant (p<0.05) than others followed by diet 2 (1783.33g/bird) and the least was diet 6 (1050.00g/bird). The daily weight gain ofdiet 1 (36.74g/bird) were highly significant (p<0.05) than others followed by diet 2 (31.08g/bird) and the least was diet 6 (17.99g/bird). The daily feed intake of diet 1 (45.66g/bird) was also significant (p<0.05) than others followed by diet 2 (43.83g/bird) and the least was diet 3 (41.07g/bird). Diet 2 recorded the least FCR (1.41) thus, have better feed efficiency than other treatment diets. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) observed in the haematological parameters evaluated. The HBC, MCHC and PCV obtained in this study was within the normal range of broilers. The result ofthe serum chemistry of broilers obtained in this study was significantly different (P<0.05) from each other except serum creatinine. The total protein, albumin was below the normal range while that of glucose and cholesterol obtained in this study fell within the normal range of broilers. Replacement of maize with rice husk with palm oil supplementation up to 5% gave good Haematological and Blood Chemistry, and therefore, recommended for good productivity of broilers.