EFFECT OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF TOASTED COTTON SEED CAKE MEAL ON THE PERFORMANCE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF BROILER CHICKEN AT STARTER PHASE

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of toasted cotton seed cake meal (TCSCM) on the performance and haematological profile of broiler chickens (0-Sweeks). Five diets were formulated in which TCSCM was included at graded levels of 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30% designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and TS respectively. A total of Ninety (90) day old broiler chicks (Anak Strain) were fed diets ina completely randomized design (CRD) and each treatment was replicated three times with 6 birds per replicate. The experiment lasted 5 weeks. The samples of the blood were collected via wing vein using 2ml syringe and analyzed in the laboratory for haematological indices. The results of the performance showed there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the final body weight (610.89-944.45g), daily weight gain (20.66-32.60g) and daily feed intake (59.15- 63.32g) of birds. The feed conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.05) recorded better for broiler chicks fed 15% toasted cotton seed cake meal diet (1.95) compared to others. Results of haematology indicated that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cells counts. The values obtained were within the normal range for normal healthy birds. It was concluded that 15% dietary inclusion of toasted cotton seed cake meal is adequate for optimum performance and healthy condition of broiler chickens.